Succeed in Medicine Ep468 - How U.S. Public Health Cuts Endanger Us All
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In this episode, Dr. Tyler Evans, joins host Dr. Bradley Block to unpack the dangerous implications of the Trump administration’s public health funding cuts. Referencing historical pandemics like cholera, Hong Kong flu, and COVID-19, Dr. Evans illustrates how slashing programs such as PEPFAR ($6 billion), Ryan White (part of HRSA’s $1.7 billion cut), and refugee health ($2 billion) dismantles global disease surveillance and response systems. These cuts, he warns, could allow outbreaks in regions like Central Africa to spread to American cities, overwhelming hospitals and disrupting economic stability.
Dr. Evans critiques the politicization of health policy, including Medicaid reductions and attacks on evidence-based HIV initiatives, which exacerbate poverty and disease spread. Despite these challenges, he finds hope in humanity’s ability to unite across divides, urging physicians to frame global health investments as personal and economic protection for their patients. With another pandemic likely within five years, this episode empowers physicians to advocate for resilient public health systems.
Three Actionable Takeaways:
- Connect Global to Local Risks – Educate patients that funding global health programs like PEPFAR prevents diseases from reaching their neighborhoods, ensuring hospital access.
- Emphasize Economic Stability – Highlight how public health cuts threaten financial markets and personal 401(k)s by causing pandemic-driven instability, advocating for prevention.
- Push for Evidence-Based Policy – Counter divisive rhetoric by promoting programs like Ryan White to community members, emphasizing their role in community health.
About the Show:
The Physician’s Guide to Doctoring covers patient interactions, burnout, career growth, personal finance, and more. If you’re tired of dull medical lectures, tune in for real-world lessons we should have learned in med school!
About the Guest:
Dr. Tyler Evans is an infectious disease and public health physician and CEO and co-founder of Wellness and Equity Alliance. He has led initiatives at Curative Incorporated, Marin County Health, and New York City’s COVID-19 response, overseeing delivery of over 2 million vaccine doses nationwide. His work with Doctors Without Borders and the AIDS Healthcare Foundation spans HIV/AIDS, refugee health, and global infectious diseases. Dr. Evans is the author of Pandemics, Poverty, and Politics: Decoding the Social and Political Drivers of Pandemics from Plague to COVID-19, set for release in August 2025.
Website: https://www.tylerevansmd.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-b-evans-md-ms-mph-aahivs-dtmh-fidsa-767ba738/
About the host:
Dr. Bradley Block – Dr. Bradley Block is a board-certified otolaryngologist at ENT and Allergy Associates in Garden City, NY. He specializes in adult and pediatric ENT, with interests in sinusitis and obstructive sleep apnea. Dr. Block also hosts The Physician’s Guide to Doctoring podcast, focusing on personal and professional development for physicians
Want to be a guest? Email Brad at brad@physiciansguidetodoctoring.com or visit www.physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to learn more!
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Disclaimer:
This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, financial, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional for personalized guidance.