NEJM Interviews

Yoshihiro Kawaoka, a renowned veterinarian and virologist, joins editors Eric Rubin and Lindsey Baden to discuss the critical issue of avian influenza. They explore how H5N1 spreads between chickens, cows, and even cats, raising concerns about potential human transmission. Kawaoka highlights the virus's mutations that may facilitate infections in humans and the economic impact of recent outbreaks, particularly on food supply and dairy production. The conversation underscores the urgent need for robust safety measures to mitigate these risks.

John Kelly is the director of the Recovery Research Institute at Massachusetts General Hospital and a professor of psychiatry in addiction medicine at Harvard Medical School. Stephen Morrissey, the interviewer, is the Executive Managing Editor of the Journal. J.F. Kelly, N.D. Volkow, and H.K. Koh. The Changing Approach to Addiction — From Incarceration to Treatment and Recovery Support. N Engl J Med 2025;392:833-836.

Peter Ubel discusses the challenges patients face due to high out-of-pocket drug costs. He highlights the complexities of the FDA's drug approval process, particularly around the rushed approvals of drugs with questionable benefits. The conversation delves into the financial implications for patients and advocates for greater regulatory transparency. Additionally, potential policy solutions to regulate drug prices and improve cost-effectiveness for Americans are explored. Ubel emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to ensure both access and affordability.

Yashaswini Singh is an assistant professor of health services, policy, and practice at Brown University. Stephen Morrissey, the interviewer, is the Executive Managing Editor of the Journal. Y. Singh, E. Fuse Brown, and I. Papanicolas. The Rise of Private Equity in Health Care — Not a Uniquely American Phenomenon. N Engl J Med 2025;392:627-629.

Joseph Ross is a professor in the Department of Internal Medicine at the Yale School of Medicine and in the Department of Health Policy and Management at the Yale School of Public Health. Stephen Morrissey, the interviewer, is the Executive Managing Editor of the Journal. J.S. Ross. Cell and Gene Therapies — Improving Access and Outcomes for Medicare and Medicaid Beneficiaries. N Engl J Med 2025;392:521-523.

Daniel Aaron, Associate Professor of Law at the University of Utah, dives into a pivotal Supreme Court case concerning the FDA's authority over flavored e-cigarettes targeted at youth. He highlights the FDA's rejection of e-cigarette applications and its potential fallout on public health. The discussion also examines the broader implications of judicial review on regulatory agencies, emphasizing the risks of courts influencing scientific matters and the challenges faced by judges in navigating complex health issues.

Craig Spencer is an emergency medicine physician and an associate professor of the practice of health services, policy, and practice at the Brown University School of Public Health. Stephen Morrissey, the interviewer, is the Executive Managing Editor of the Journal. C. Spencer. Ebola and a Decade of Disparities — Forging a Future for Global Health Equity. N Engl J Med 2025;392:313-315.

Carmel Shachar is an assistant clinical professor of law and faculty director of the Health Law and Policy Clinic at Harvard Law School. Stephen Morrissey, the interviewer, is the Executive Managing Editor of the Journal. T. Ramesh, C. Shachar, and H. Yu. Striking a Balance — Advancing Physician Collective-Bargaining Rights and Patient Protections. N Engl J Med 2025;392:209-211.

David Velasquez is an internal medicine resident physician at Brigham and Women's Hospital. Stephen Morrissey, the interviewer, is the Executive Managing Editor of the Journal. D.E. Velasquez, E.T. Roberts, and J.F. Figueroa. The Plight of “Dual Noneligible” People in the United States. N Engl J Med 2025;392:105-107.

Joey Mattingly is an associate professor in the Department of Pharmacotherapy at the University of Utah College of Pharmacy. Stephen Morrissey, the interviewer, is the Executive Managing Editor of the Journal. S.S. Tu, S. Kottilil, and T.J. Mattingly II. Leveraging Old Hepatitis C Therapies. N Engl J Med 2025;392:1-4.