

Demetre Daskalakis
Former director at the C.D.C. and infectious disease doctor. Previously served as the Deputy Commissioner for Disease Control for the New York City Department of Health.
Top 10 podcasts with Demetre Daskalakis
Ranked by the Snipd community

610 snips
Aug 29, 2025 • 29min
The C.D.C.’s Vaccine Chief on Why Quitting Was His Only Option
Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, a former director at the C.D.C. and infectious disease expert, shares the dramatic events leading to his resignation. He recounts the clash over vaccine recommendations and the turmoil within the agency after Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. attempted to fire CDC’s director. Daskalakis highlights the precarious balance between scientific integrity and political pressure, addressing the damaging effects of misinformation on vaccine perception. His insights shed light on the urgent need for transparent communication in public health.

30 snips
Dec 9, 2025 • 23min
The Vax Wars Are Here
Demetre Daskalakis, former director of the CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, dives into the contentious shift in hepatitis B vaccination recommendations for newborns. He reveals the historical impact of universal vaccination and unveils chaotic deliberations by the ACIP that now include controversial voices. Daskalakis warns that these changes could set a troubling precedent for future vaccine policies, advising parents to seek guidance from trusted pediatricians instead.

10 snips
Sep 3, 2025 • 51min
Meidas Health, Episode 15: Dr. Demetre Daskalakis Speaks Out After CDC Resignation
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.

8 snips
Oct 1, 2025 • 16min
What’s Driving Experts Away from the CDC?
Demetre Daskalakis, a former director at the CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, shares insights on the recent mass resignations of public health experts. He delves into how political shifts are undermining science-driven decisions at the CDC, posing risks to vital health programs. Daskalakis emphasizes the need for external organizations to support public health and warns of funding cuts jeopardizing local services. He also discusses the declining integrity of vaccine policy and offers practical advice for maintaining health amidst uncertainty.

8 snips
Sep 5, 2025 • 14min
After CDC Director Is Ousted, More Senior Officials Resign
Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, former director of the CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, shares insights on the fallout from the abrupt dismissal of CDC director Susan Monarez. He discusses the leadership crisis at the agency and the ensuing resignations that underscore tensions between science and politics. The conversation highlights growing skepticism towards vaccine guidance and the implications for public health. Daskalakis emphasizes the urgent need to restore trust in science and the challenges posed by dehumanization of scientists.

Dec 2, 2025 • 25min
The FDA’s Vaccine Death Email Looks Like a Political Stunt (w/ Demetre Daskalakis)
Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, a public-health expert and former CDC official, joins to discuss the FDA's controversial 'vaccine-death' email. He critiques the email for lacking transparency and fostering panic. Daskalakis highlights concerns over the CDC's rewritten autism webpage, arguing it misrepresents vaccine safety. He also addresses the impact of changing ACIP dynamics and warns about misinformation regarding the hepatitis B birth dose. Throughout, he advocates for trusting local health authorities over political figures.

Nov 4, 2025 • 27min
When Science and Politics Collide: Inside Dr. Daskalakis’ Historic CDC Departure Part 1
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.

Sep 4, 2025 • 1h 59min
A Conversation With The Three CDC Leaders Who Resigned In Protest & MAHA Supporters
Demetre Daskalakis, former CDC director, Debra Houry, the agency's ex-Chief Science Officer, and Dan Jernigan, a former infectious disease expert, discuss their resignations in protest against political pressures and management changes at the CDC. They dive into the philosophical debates surrounding health freedom, the impact of budget cuts on public health, and the complexities of restoring trust in health agencies post-COVID. The conversation also critiques the role of Big Pharma and highlights the urgent need for transparency in vaccine policies and decision-making.

Aug 29, 2025 • 50min
Meet the Press NOW — August 29
Demetre Daskalakis, former director at the CDC, shares why he resigned amid political turmoil, emphasizing the clash between science and loyalty. Paul Offit, a prominent infectious disease physician, joins to discuss the impact of vaccine misinformation on public trust. The conversation dives into the urgent need to maintain integrity in health messaging, especially during political upheavals. They also reflect on the community's heartache after a tragic shooting, adding a poignant layer to an already charged political landscape.

May 25, 2024 • 30min
Avian Flu Update
In this enlightening discussion, Demetre Daskalakis, a leading expert from the CDC, and veterinarian epidemiologist Andrew Bowman from Ohio State University tackle the urgent issue of avian influenza. They delve into the recent emergence of the virus in dairy cattle and public health surveillance measures. The conversation highlights the parallels to COVID-19, emphasizing the importance of trust in vaccine communication and proactive monitoring. They also address the risks of virus transmission through livestock and the critical collaboration needed across health sectors.


