The MeidasTouch Podcast Meidas Health, Episode 15: Dr. Demetre Daskalakis Speaks Out After CDC Resignation
Sep 3, 2025
Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, the former head of the National Center for Immunizations and Respiratory Diseases, raises alarms about the future of public health following his recent resignation. He discusses the crucial role media plays in health communication, stressing the need for responsible reporting. Daskalakis emphasizes finding reliable health information and the importance of trusting pediatricians for children's health. He shares personal anecdotes while advocating for transparency in public health processes amid growing concerns over vaccine accessibility and public trust.
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From Doctor's Kit To National Leader
- Demetre Daskalakis described his path from a childhood doctor's kit to leading major public health responses.
- He recounted roles in NYC HIV work, deputy commissioner, COVID and mpox responses, and CDC leadership.
Resignation Over Science Being Sidestepped
- Daskalakis explained he resigned after seeing top-down interference that compromised CDC scientific input.
- He had tracked moments that crossed his line, including sidelining CDC scientists and removing director-level input.
Ideology Contaminating Advisory Work
- He warned ideological actors were driving advisory workgroups and excluding unbiased CDC science.
- That dynamic made CDC science 'contaminated' and prevented proper, evidence-based recommendations.