The Interesting MD Podcast When Science and Politics Collide: Inside Dr. Daskalakis’ Historic CDC Departure Part 1
Nov 4, 2025
Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, an infectious disease physician and former CDC leader, shares his unsettling experiences that led to his resignation. He reveals how political interference has compromised scientific integrity at the CDC, leading to abrupt vaccine policy shifts and the replacement of expert committees with conspiracy theorists. Daskalakis discusses the decimation of public health infrastructure through mass layoffs and the elimination of key scientific offices. This thought-provoking conversation emphasizes the urgent need to protect public trust in health institutions.
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Twitter Announcement Shocked CDC Leaders
- Demetre Daskalakis learned of a vaccine-schedule change via a Twitter video while in a meeting.
- He had to scramble to reconcile the video with a conflicting written directive to limit harm.
Promised Transparency Didn’t Materialize
- Demetre studied Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s writings and watched confirmation hearings before engaging.
- Initial public promises of 'gold standard science' and 'radical transparency' contrasted with subsequent inaction.
Mixed Messages On Pregnancy Vaccine Guidance
- Secretary Kennedy announced limits on COVID vaccines for pregnant women and healthy pregnant women inconsistently across video and paper.
- CDC leaders had to navigate the discrepancy to preserve reasonable vaccine access.