Season 12 • Episode 940

940 - A Brief Update: CDC in Crisis

Sep 2, 2025

8:18

Global Health Environmental Health Public Health Health Policy

Episode Description

About this episode:

Last week the CDC was rocked by the abrupt removal of director Susan Monarez and the resignation of four other senior officials, following months of budget and personnel cuts. In this episode: a quick update from former CDC Director Tom Frieden about these concerning developments, how they might impact vaccine access this fall, and what they mean for public health writ large.

Guest:

Dr. Tom Frieden is a physician and the president and CEO of Resolve to Save Lives, a global health mission focused on stopping preventable deaths. He previously served as the director of the CDC and commissioner of the New York City Health Department.

Host:

Dr. Josh Sharfstein is distinguished professor of the practice in Health Policy and Management, a pediatrician, and former secretary of Maryland's Health Department.

Show links and related content:

We Ran the C.D.C.: Kennedy Is Endangering Every American's Health—New York Times
CDC denies help for lead poisoning in Milwaukee schools due to layoffs—CBS News
Personnel Cuts at the CDC—Public Health On Call (April 2025)

Transcript information:

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