You Make Me Sick!

In our latest episode, we are joined by Rapid Response Team (RRT) RN David Ibbitson. David is an RRT nurse at Boston Medical Center whose role encompasses preventing critical patient events such as cardiac and respiratory arrest, responding to non-patient incidents where medical intervention may be required, and acting as a resource to all units within the hospital, as well as the many clinics and outpatient areas of Boston Medical Center. David helps explain exactly what an RRT nurse is, while also sharing some of his experiences and thoughts on this extremely important—but often overlooked—role within healthcare.

In our latest episode we are joined by the Co founders of The Biothreats Emergence, Analysis and Communications Network (BEACON). BEACON is dedicated to the rapid collection, vetting, reporting, and analysis of information on emerging threats affecting humans, domestic animals, wildlife, plants and the environment globally. BEACON combines emerging infectious diseases surveillance, a global network of moderators who are subject matter experts and the power of artificial intelligence and large language models. By using this technology BEACON provides even based informal surveillance coupled with custom tailored AI to aid in risk assessment, and near real time reporting. This technology can help lead to response from healthcare systems, bio preparedness and possibly the prevention of the next pandemic. Dr. Nahid Bhadelia is the founding director of the Boston University Center on Emerging Infectious Diseases and a board-certified infectious diseases physician. She is an Associate Professor at the BU School of Medicine and a national expert in global health security, pandemic preparedness, and emerging infectious threats.From 2022 to 2023, Dr. Bhadelia served as Senior Policy Advisor for Global COVID-19 Response at the White House, where she led U.S. interagency efforts on global vaccine donations and helped direct Project NextGen, a $5 billion initiative to develop next-generation vaccines and treatments for pandemic-prone viruses. Dr. Bhadelia has extensive frontline and research experience responding to outbreaks including Ebola, COVID-19, Zika, and other high-consequence pathogens, She previously led the Special Pathogens Unit at Boston Medical Center, a state-designated Ebola Treatment Center.She currently serves on national and international advisory bodies including the National Academies and the World Health Organization, teaches global health security at Tufts University’s Fletcher School, and has published in Nature, Science, and The New England Journal of Medicine. Her expertise has been featured by NBC and MSNBC, The Atlantic, Time, National Geographic, and NOVA.Dr. Britta Lassmann, MD is an infectious diseases physician, health technology innovator, and expert in disease surveillance, analytics, and digital public health applications. She serves as a Research Associate Professor at Boston University School of Medicine and is Co-Director and Co-Founder of the Biothreats Emergence, Analysis, and Communications Network (BEACON), an open-source global surveillance platform that integrates advanced analytics and technology to detect emerging infectious disease threats in near-real time.Dr. Lassmann trained at the Medical University of Vienna, Austria, completed her residency in Internal Medicine at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, and her fellowship in Infectious Diseases at Yale University. She went on to serve on the faculty at UCLA’s Division of Infectious Diseases and was Program Director at the International Society for Infectious Diseases. She is American Board-certified in Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases.She is also co-founder and Chief Medical Officer of Global Second Opinion, a platform that combines artificial intelligence with expert clinical input to deliver rapid, specialized medical consultations online. Her work bridges clinical care, epidemiology, modeling, analytics, and technology to strengthen how outbreaks are tracked, understood, and responded to globally.Dr. Lassmann has contributed to research on real-time disease surveillance, digital health tools, and infectious disease dynamics, including publications on outbreak risk mapping and data needs for surveillance systems.

In this episode we celebrate this joyous time of year filled with delicious foods, gatherings of family and friends, and all of the pathogens that happen to play Grinch with our holiday plans. We discuss respiratory germs to gut bugs, including salmonella, and the king of all food borne illnesses, norovirus, We also take some time to discuss our favorite Christmas songs, movies, favorite holiday traditions. You might want to stock up on Imodium and toilet paper after listening to this very merry episode!!!!

In our latest episode, we are joined by Allison Kaelblein, RN, MSN, CCRN (and soon to be DNP). Allison is a Nursing Educator in the Medical ICU at Boston Medical Center, in this episode she joins us to discuss her passion for and current work on ICU delirium. Allison explains what ICU delirium is, who is affected, what it looks like, and how it can be treated. She also describes her research on a new delirium assessment tool, which she will soon be defending as she prepares to obtain her Doctorate in Nursing. This is a must listen for anyone who is curious about delirium and all the questions surrounding this often overlooked complication of inpatient care.

In our latest episode we welcome new Host Mikayla Winn MSN as she speaks with Pulmonologist and Critical Care Attending Dr. Christopher Kearney. They discuss the convoluted and frustrating topic of Prior Authorizations. Prior authorizations were originally designed to be used by insurance entities to ensure high-quality, evidence-based, and cost-effective treatments, but have proven to be a time consuming, and what seems to be purposely difficult process that can lead to denials of treatments and delays in care. Dr. Kearney joins us to discuss his experiences and personal frustrations with the current "prior auth" process, how it works (or doesn't), and who it effects.Dr. Kearney completed his undergraduate studies in Mathematics and Biology at Villanova University before earning both his MD and Master of Public Health from Harvard Medical School.At Boston Medical Center, Dr. Kearney serves as a board-certified pulmonologist and critical care attending physician in the Medical ICU, where he provides expert care in areas such as organ failure, sepsis, and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). He also holds the academic title of Assistant Professor in Pulmonary, Allergy, Sleep & Critical Care Medicine at Boston University’s Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine.As a clinician-educator and health services researcher, Dr. Kearney is dedicated to improving outcomes for critically ill patients. He works closely with fellows, residents, and nursing staff, emphasizing patient-centered care and leveraging his expertise in pulmonary and critical care medicine to enhance patient outcomes.Dr. Kearney has also been widely published in leading peer-reviewed journals, contributing important research and insights into treatment trends, asthma management, and critical care interventions.

In under 10 minutes we delve into this destructive and sometimes deadly parasite, we discuss what it is, what it does and why decades after being eradicated from the US this flesh eating insect is again raising concerns.

In our first YMMS! Snapshot, we take a quick look at the Measles virus. In under 10 minutes, we discuss what it is, how it's spread, who it's affecting, the importance of vaccination, and the current state of measles in the U.S.

In our latest episode, we’re extremely fortunate to be joined by evolutionary virologist and avian influenza researcher Dr. Louise Moncla to discuss the current H5N1 situation in the U.S. and around the world. We cover the history of H5N1, how the virus might mutate, the current risks to both animal and human populations, and the potential for a future pandemic. Dr. Moncla also shares insight into her work on surveillance, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) tracking, and vaccine development. For anyone looking to better understand H5N1 or curious about what the current outbreak might lead to, this episode is a must-listen.Dr. Louise H. Moncla is an assistant professor of pathobiology at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, where she leads cutting-edge research on the evolution of avian influenza viruses, including highly pathogenic H5N1 strains. Her work focuses on understanding how these viruses adapt across hosts—especially during zoonotic spillover events—by combining computational phylodynamics, population genetics, and experimental virology. Dr. Moncla has contributed to major surveillance efforts, including the development of a Nextstrain dashboard tracking H5N1 evolution in cattle, where her team identified key mutations suggesting mammalian adaptation. She has briefed lawmakers on the current H5N1 crisis and is frequently cited by organizations like the WHO and USDA. Her publications include studies on within-host evolution in humans and poultry, and she is a co-author of the Nature paper on the global H5N1 panzootic. In recognition of her impactful work, Dr. Moncla was named a 2024 Pew Biomedical Scholar. Her research is helping shape how we understand, monitor, and respond to emerging pandemic threats.

In this episode, we speak with Suzette Bianchi, RN. Suzette is a Charge RN in the Medical Intensive Care Unit at Boston Medical Center and has been at the bedside for over 30 years. She has been on the front lines of medical crises from the AIDS epidemic of the 1980s to the COVID-19 pandemic. She holds a permanent Charge RN role and also serves as an instructor for continuous dialysis, or continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). She joins us today to talk about her experiences as an RN, how the field has changed, and how she has managed to remain at the bedside in the ICU without succumbing to burnout or becoming jaded. We are grateful to have Suzette with us for this Nurses Week episode!

In this episode, we are joined by Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program (BHCHP) COO, April Ramsey, to discuss the incredible—and often overlooked—care provided to people experiencing homelessness in Boston. We explore how, over the past 40 years, the program has evolved to not only deliver care on the streets but also offer several unique and life-saving services, including adult and pediatric medical and dental care, as well as programs focused on mental health and addiction.In addition, BHCHP operates facilities that provide 120 respite beds for individuals who are ready to leave the hospital but not yet ready to return to the streets. This is a truly unique and inspiring program that serves those most in need.BHCHP COO April Ramsey joined the organization in 2011 as a clinic staff nurse at shelter partner Pine Street Inn, and later served as a respite staff nurse at The Barbara McInnis House. In 2013, April began coverage as the respite nursing supervisor and subsequently served as interim respite director of case management. She then helped develop the Care Management Program with the Commonwealth Care Alliance One Care Program, where she served as one of the first nurse care managers on that team.In 2016, April was named site director of the Pine Street Inn clinics, and after two years, she became associate director of clinical operations for the program. In August 2024, she was appointed as BHCHP’s chief operating officer.April began her nursing career at CAB Health and Recovery Services in Danvers and Boston. From 2014 to 2022, she also served as a public health clinical instructor for the Northeastern University School of Nursing. April holds a BS in Nursing from Northeastern University, having completed clinical roles at the children’s hospitals in Boston and Philadelphia.

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Adam Yala to explore his groundbreaking research on using A.I. to predict breast cancer with his deep learning model, Mirai. We dive into the potential of A.I. in healthcare, the challenges it faces, and what the future may hold—including whether A.I. could one day take on the roles of nurses and practitioners. This is a fascinating and eye-opening look at how A.I. is transforming medicine today and what’s next on the horizon.Dr. Yala is an assistant professor of Computational Precision Health at UC Berkeley and UCSF. His research focuses on developing machine learning methods for personalized medicine and translating them into clinical care.His previous research has focused on two areas: 1) predicting future cancer risk, and 2) designing personalized screening policies. His breast cancer tool, Mirai, has been tested at 43 hospitals from 14 countries.Adam's tools now underly prospective trials, and his research has been featured in the Washington Post, New York Times, and the Boston Globe. Prof Yala obtained his BS, MEng and PhD in Computer Science from MIT where he was a member of MIT Jameel Clinic and MIT CSAIL.

In this episode we are joined by special guest Taylor Rogerson NP. Taylor works as an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner in the Medical ICU at Boston Medical Center. Taylor joins us to discuss her very unique role as an NP in an ICU setting and how this differs from most NP roles.. Taylor's ability to perform many of the same interventions typically only granted to physicians makes her position extremely unique, and with the projected shortage of physicians in the coming years, may be a glimpse of the future with regard to ICU providers. From placing centralized IV catheters, to lumbar punctures, to managing multiple complex ICU patients, Taylor helps to explain how the NP in the ICU is utilized, and her experiences in this very busy and challenging environment.

In this episode we are joined by Pastor Abby Henrich to discuss the issue of food insecurity. We discuss what food insecurity is, who it is most likely to effect, why it can be so detrimental to overall health, and how to help those in need, especially at this time of year when so many benefit from the kindness of others. . Abby is a Dual Pastor and Co-Founder of Grace Community in Boston MA as well as Pastor at Stratford Street United Church in West Roxbury MA. She is a graduate of Princeton Theological Seminary and Colgate University, Abby is also the cohost of “The Progressive Sacred Podcast” where she and her fellow hosts discuss topics ranging from science and religion to women in the clergy to progressive takes on Christianity. Abby has been at the forefront of promoting progressive christianity which is characterized by a willingness to question tradition, accept human diversity, including religious diversity, seeking social justice, care for the poor and oppressed, tending to the environment, and gathering as a community in new ways. Her efforts at Grace Community have helped to feed the homeless, host gun buy backs, allocated goods to help undeserved communities here and abroad, and promote the spirit of inclusion, kindness, love and joy. Abby is also the pastor at Stratford Street United Church, a progressive Protestant church which is home to Rose’s Bounty, a food pantry located in the West Roxbury area of Boston. She is here today to discuss the topic of food insecurity, who it affects, why is it a growing concern, and how we can help to provide nutritious food to those in need, especially at this time of year.

In this episode we are joined by Bacteriophage scientist and researcher Atif Khan, we discuss his research in using phages to fight biofouling, biofilms and MRSA. We also discuss the current state of phage therapy in India compared to the United States as well as the possible use of phages in helping to treat SARS CoV2 infections. We also discuss some of the advantages and benefits that phages possess when compared to traditional antibiotics. This is a truly viral episode that you won't want to miss.Atif Khan is currently working as a scientist at the Bhabah Atomic Research Center in Chennai India, He is also pursuing his doctorate degree and has a passion for the use of bacteriophages and their applications in reducing biofilms, biofouling and with regard to treating MDROs.Atif has been awarded multiple grants and fellowships and is a member of several national and international microorganisms societiesAtif Has also been involved as a reviewer for several International scientific journals and has been published in multiple educational texts as well as the academic journal “Current Research in Microbial Sciences”,Atif has also been involved in several conference publications and is currently working on a multitude of mini phage projects.

In this episode we are joined by Scientist and Researcher Dr. Brian Wang to discuss the work he and his colleagues are pursuing at Panoplia Laboratories in Cambridge MA. Dr. Wang and his team are in pursuit of Broad Spectrum Antivirals that can be available on day zero of the next pandemic. We discuss the methods of bioengineering that Panoplia Labs will be using, including the use of synthetic biology to aid the body's own immune system against viruses. We also discuss the possible routes of administration, as well as the barriers and timelines associated with this innovative and remarkable biotechnology. You won't want to miss this fascinating and informative episode.Our guest Dr. Brian Wang is the co founder and executive director of Panoplia Laboratories in Cambridge MA. Brian was also the prior head of research and development at the biotech company Alvea, Dr. Wang completed his postdoctoral education at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and completed his graduate studies at UC Berkley and received his undergraduate degree from Cornell University. Brian has been published in Nature Communications, The Journal of the American Chemical Society, and Angewandte Chemie International Edition. He is the owner if multiple patents and has been the recipient of the Emergent Ventures Fellowship from The Mercatus Center as well as the National Science Foundation Fellowship from the National Science Foundation.

In this episode we are joined by David Duest, David is the Director of the Deer Island Wastewater Treatment Plant in Boston MA. DIWTP is the 2nd largest wastewater treatment plant in the United States servicing over 2.3 million people and 43 different communities. It boasts several innovative technologies that are used as models around the world and here in the US. In this episode we discuss the amazing capabilities of the plant including innovative methods of waste removal and using the byproducts to create clean energy to fuel the plant and improve the environment. We also discuss the utility of wastewater surveillance, how and when it was introduced to the treatment plant, and current monitoring. From stool to fuel and beyond, you won't want to miss this very informative episode!

In this episode we are joined again by Tropical and Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. Davidson Hamer. We discuss Arboviruses, what they are, how they are spread, and what kinds of illnesses they can cause. We talk in depth about the current Dengue spread and what may be driving the historic increase in cases and what to expect in the coming months to years. We also discuss West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and the current situation here in the New England area, Dr. Hamer is a Professor of Global Health and Medicine at the Boston University School of Public Health and Chobanian & Avesidian School of Medicine, he is also an Adjunct Professor of Nutrition at the Tufts University Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy. He is a specialist in infectious diseases with a particular interest in tropical infectious diseases and has extensive field experience in neonatal and child survival research including studies of micronutrient interventions, maternal and neonatal health, malaria, pneumonia, and diarrheal diseases.For over 20 years, he has supervised and provided technical support to numerous studies in developing countries that evaluated interventions for improving neonatal survival, integrated community case management (iCCM), improving access for pregnant women to emergency obstetrical care, treatment and prevention of malaria, HIV/AIDS, micronutrient deficiencies, diarrheal disease, and pneumonia. Dr. Hamer is also the Surveillance Lead for the GeoSentinel Surveillance Network, a global network of 70 sites in 31 countries that conducts surveillance of emerging infectious diseases using returning travelers, immigrants, and refugees as sentinels of infection (https://geosentinel.org).He is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians, Infectious Diseases Society of America, American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, and the International Society of Travel Medicine and has been published in hundreds of medical journals including; Journal of American Medicine, Journal of travel medicine, Journal of Global Health, International Journal of Infectious Disease, and many, many more.

In this episode we are joined by Microbiologist and phage enthusiast Dr. Sian Owen to discuss exactly what phages are, how they work, and the latest in phage research that may yield new tools in the fight against antibiotic resistance in bacteria. Dr. Owen recently finished her post doctoral research as a Fellow In the department of Biomedical Informatics and the Laboratory of Systems Pharmacology at the Baym Laboratory at Harvard Medical School. and will soon be heading her own lab at the Wadsworth Center in Albany New York. She has also completed research at the Jay Hinton Laboratory in Liverpool England and is an expert in the field of bacteriophages and has been using experimental evolution and computational approaches to study the phenomenon of antibiotic resistance in bacteria. Dr. Owen's discoveries have been published in Nature, Nature Microbiology, Science and The Journal of Molecular Science just to name a few. Dr. Owen is a lover of all things phages and is an avid Mushroom hunter when not discovering new ways to aid in the fight against MDROs.