The Rise of Bad Medicine and Anti-Vaxxers: Combatting Trump’s Health Agenda
Apr 3, 2025
auto_awesome
Laurel Bristow, an infectious disease researcher and science communicator, teams up with Ghady Haidar, an associate professor specializing in infectious diseases, to tackle the urgent health issues facing the U.S. They discuss the alarming resurgence of measles and other infectious diseases due to misinformation and funding cuts. The duo emphasizes the critical importance of trust in medical authorities, the dangers of vaccine skepticism, and practical strategies to combat misinformation. Their expert insights urge listeners to advocate for truth and prioritize vaccination.
The Trump administration's dismantling of health infrastructure has resulted in public health crises, exemplified by the resurgence of measles and reduced funding for essential health services.
To combat medical misinformation effectively, individuals must prioritize sharing accurate information and engage with trusted healthcare resources to promote vaccination and community health awareness.
Deep dives
Understanding Menopause and Treatment Options
Menopause presents significant challenges for many women, often leading to symptoms such as hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and cognitive issues. A notable aspect is that a considerable percentage of women delay seeking treatment, with studies indicating that nearly half experience symptoms for over three years before reaching out for help. A contributing factor to this delay is the lack of awareness about menopause hormone therapy (MHT) as a viable treatment option; approximately 43% of women reported that their healthcare providers never mentioned it. Access to resources like Alloy Women's Health allows women to receive personalized treatment solutions for menopause, involving easy online consultations and prescription delivery directly to their homes.
The Impact of Misinformation on Public Health
Misinformation poses a grave threat to public health, especially during critical times such as pandemics. A concerning example highlighted in the discussion is the appointment of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services, whose track record includes promoting unfounded claims regarding vaccines. The spread of medical misinformation has real-world consequences, as evidenced by the resurgence of diseases like measles, which has seen a dramatic increase in the U.S. The discussion emphasizes that accurate information is crucial for public health and underscores the need for robust communication and transparency in science and healthcare.
The Dangers of Cuts to Public Health Infrastructure
Significant reductions in funding and personnel in public health institutions, including the CDC and state health services, are leading to a deterioration of the healthcare system's ability to manage infectious diseases. The impact is already being felt, with reports of a measles outbreak that resulted in tragic fatalities, highlighting the stakes involved in these administrative decisions. Experts warn that dismantling these structures compromises the ability to respond effectively to emerging health threats, such as bird flu and vaccine-preventable diseases. This reality propels healthcare professionals to advocate for the preservation and bolstering of public health infrastructure to protect communities nationwide.
Empowering the Public to Combat Misinformation
In the face of increasing vaccine skepticism and misinformation, it is vital for individuals to become informed advocates for science and public health. This includes a commitment to not share misleading information on social media and to actively seek out reliable sources, such as healthcare providers and scientific organizations. Engaging with trusted resources in public health, including the CDC and FDA, is crucial for understanding the facts and counteracting misinformation. Individuals can also play a significant role in community health by accessing immunizations and utilizing local public health resources to promote awareness and acceptance of vaccinations.
Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kennedy's so-called assault on medical science is putting Americans at grave risk. Measles has resurfaced, HHS is losing tens of thousands of staff, and medical research at the National Institutes of Health is being cut. Stacey is joined by infectious disease researcher and science communicator Laurel Bristow, along with associate professor and infectious disease expert Ghady Haidar, to break down the immediate and long-term impacts of the Trump administration’s dismantling of health infrastructure and skepticism of critical vaccines. They also share how we can protect ourselves and our communities from medical misinformation and disinformation.
For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.
Learn & Do More:
Don't spread misinformation: Be mindful of what you share on social media. It’s tempting to post a meme or video mocking conspiracy theories, but don’t be a spreader. Share the truth. Find content that debunks misinformation without amplifying it. Be a viral truth-teller.
Use your resources: Vaccines are your best protection in this uncertain health climate. Free and low-cost vaccines are available, even without insurance. The HHS provides a list of state and local health departments to help you find them—visit hhs.gov/immunization. For example, if you're in Los Angeles, check publichealth.lacounty.gov for clinics offering free or low-cost vaccines for kids 18 and under.
Stay informed: For health advice, trust medical professionals. Get information from doctors and scientists, and read research-backed articles. Social media isn’t always reliable—so seek out experts with real credentials. To stay informed and up to date on the latest scientific news check out the WHO newsletter at who.int/news-room/newsletters and for the latest science reporting check out STAT news at statnews.com and Scientific America at https://www.scientificamerican.com.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
