Advertise on podcast: Higher Education with Dr. B Fran

In this episode of Higher Ed with Dr. B Fran, Dr. B Fran talks about the state of public health in the United States for National Public Health Week. She breaks down the changes that have been happening domestically in terms of environmental rollbacks, health insurance, TrumpRx, rollout of rural healthcare programs, and more. The US is currently experiencing a major defunding and dismantling that started back in the early days of the Trump administration and just when you think it cant get any worse it does. Public health used to be a public good that was funded and supported by federal tax dollars but we are seeing a greater push towards individual states having to exclusively take on the burden of public health while sumilatenouhsely seeing a rise in privatized corporations taking on health and turning in into a commodity that will soon be out of reach for many Americans.  Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that talks about where we are right now and where we might be headed.  For more from Dr. Brittney Francis: Tik Tok  Instagram  Publications Produced by Peoples Media Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Episode 2 of Higher Ed with Dr. B Fran, Dr. B Fran is joined by Dr. Deirdre Cooper Owens for a powerful and timely conversation unpacking Project 2026, also known as the Saving America by Saving the Family report. Together, they break down the report’s push around family structure, marriage, and reproductive policies aimed at increasing birth rates under the banner of “American values.” But this conversation goes deeper. Through an intersectional lens, they explore how race, gender, class, and political and religious ideologies shape policies like these and draw striking parallels to reproductive control during the era of enslavement. As similar frameworks gain traction in shaping legislation in the U.S. and beyond, understanding their origins and implications has never been more urgent. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that connects history, policy, and power revealing what’s at stake in the ongoing fight for reproductive justice. For more from Dr. Brittney Francis: Tik Tok  Instagram  Publications Produced by Peoples Media Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“Weʻre back for a whole new season, and we are not easing in quietly!”  In this powerful season opener of Higher Ed with Dr. B Fran, Dr. B Fran gets real about where she’s been and what it means to navigate both the personal and professional toll of watching public health infrastructure unravel, not just in the U.S., but across the globe. This episode sets the tone for a bold new season. Dr. B Fran breaks down how the field has shifted, what’s at stake, and why understanding all sides, including the opposition, is critical to figuring out how we got here. She also introduces a more global lens for upcoming episodes, connecting the dots between geopolitical changes and the future of health equity worldwide. She asks the question we can’t afford to ignore: Who are we making “America healthy again” for? If health equity is truly the goal, we have to think bigger. As global health systems face increasing strain, Dr. B Fran challenges us to consider what comes next: Will we be ready to rebuild something stronger and more just or will the future of health fall into the hands of private interests driven by profit over people? Honest, thought-provoking, and deeply necessary, this episode is your call to tune in, reflect, and get ready for a season that doesn’t shy away from the hard conversations. For more from Dr. Brittney Francis: Tik Tok  Instagram  Publications Produced by Peoples Media Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Part 3 of our deep dive into Project 2025, we’re turning our attention to the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)—and what’s at stake as powerful forces push to reshape it. Fresh off the confirmation of CMS’s 17th Administrator, we’re already seeing the outlines of a radical shift: one that proposes over $800 billion in cuts to Medicaid, Medicare, and SNAP over the next decade. Framed as “fiscal responsibility,” these proposed changes are more than just budget adjustments—they're an ideological attack on the health care safety net that millions rely on. And it doesn’t stop there. The plan outlines sweeping restrictions on access to reproductive health care, slashes funding for Planned Parenthood, and seeks to eliminate support for gender-affirming care for trans people. In this episode, Dr. B Fran breaks down what these proposed reforms mean for public health. From defunding care to redefining who gets to be healthy, Project 2025 threatens to undo decades of progress in health equity and social justice. Let’s talk about the policies, the politics, and why this moment demands our full attention. For more from Dr. Brittney Francis: Tik Tok  Instagram  Publications Produced by Peoples Media Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Part 2 of our deep dive into Project 2025, we are turning our focus to two more health agencies: the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Both have new directors, and both are making quiet but powerful moves that could shape public health in ways most folks aren’t even aware of. From cuts to health equity research that they categorize as "woke" to state level cuts causing delays in public health programs, these shifting priorities seem more political than scientific. On the surface, it’s all being branded as “reform and reduction of waste.” But when you dig a little deeper? It starts to look a lot like rolling back decades of work on health and environmental justice.  In this episode, Dr. B Fran breaks down the recommendations being proposed for these agencies under Project 2025—and how many of them run counter to core public health principles. From sidelining prevention to eliminating a focus on structural drivers of health, these proposed changes aren’t just policy tweaks—they could have real consequences for millions of people, especially those already facing steep marginaliza. Let’s talk about what’s at stake, and why it matters now more than ever. For more from Dr. Brittney Francis: Tik Tok  Instagram  Publications Produced by Peoples Media Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we dig into Chapter 14 of Project 2025, a sweeping conservative blueprint for reshaping the Department of Health and Human Services. From the CDC to the FDA, the document outlines a radical restructuring of federal health agencies—one that could fundamentally shift the nation’s public health priorities. Dr. B Fran unpacks the goals laid out in the plan, starting with proposed changes to the CDC, and explore the potential impact on health equity, science, and trust in public health systems. While much has already shifted since this recording, this episode serves as a living resource for public health professionals, medical practitioners, and advocates to understand what's at stake—and how we can collectively respond. This is more than policy—it's about the future of health justice globally.  For more from Dr. Brittney Francis: Tik Tok  Instagram  Publications Produced by Peoples Media Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Did you know that Black women in the U.S. are 3-4 times more likely to experience hypertensive disorders during pregnancy, leading to higher rates of maternal morbidity and mortality? These complications not only affect pregnancy outcomes but also pose long-term health risks, including cardiovascular disease later in life. As we observe Black Maternal Health Week, this episode of Higher Education with Dr. B Fran will shine a spotlight on the structural racism that drives these disparities for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Dr. B Fran will explore the intersection of structural racism and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, a major contributor to maternal morbidity and mortality in the U.S. diving deep into how systemic inequities—ranging from discrimination in healthcare settings to environmental pollutants in marginalized neighborhoods—disproportionately affect Black women and their health outcomes. We’ll discuss the history of how race has been biologized in medical research, how structural issues like food insecurity and poor access to healthcare impact coping mechanisms, and the devastating effects of noise pollution, particularly from police sirens, on maternal health. By understanding the interconnected nature of these factors, we examine how addressing structural racism is key to reducing health disparities and improving the well-being of Black pregnant people. This episode calls for systemic solutions to dismantle the harmful barriers that perpetuate these inequities. Tune in for an insightful conversation about how we can better support Black women through changes in policy, community infrastructure, and healthcare practices to combat the growing crisis of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy. For more from Dr. Brittney Francis: Tik Tok  Instagram  Publications Produced by Peoples Media Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Homelessness isn’t just an issue of the present—it’s the result of decades of policy decisions that continue to shape who has access to stable housing and who doesn’t. In this episode of higher education with Dr. B Fran, we are joined by Dr. Margaret Sullivan to we break down the structural determinants of homelessness, from outdated policies still in use today to the communities most at risk, including LGBTQ+ youth and people with chronic illnesses. We explore how past housing policies, designed to reduce homelessness and increase homeownership, were steeped in racial discrimination—and how those same patterns are playing out again today. From redlining in the 1930s to today’s rising housing costs and displacement, the same structural barriers that led to mass homelessness during the Great Depression are resurfacing and health inequities in this population will surely follow. For more from Dr. Brittney Francis: Tik Tok  Instagram  Publications Produced by Peoples Media Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Let’s keep it real—health equity is under attack. From climate funding getting slashed to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs being gutted, to reproductive rights being rolled back, the current administration is making some dangerous moves. And guess who’s getting hit the hardest? Marginalized communities, low-income families, and, well… probably you or someone you love. In this episode of Higher Education with Dr. B Fran breaks down what health disparities actually are, why health equity should be a non-negotiable, and how political chaos in the U.S. is causing ripple effects worldwide. She will also dive into how global health equity efforts will be diminished by these funding cuts and research efforts. For more from Dr. Brittney Francis: Tik Tok  Instagram  Publications Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this powerful episode of Higher Education with Dr. B Fran, we delve into the escalating battle for reproductive rights in the United States and the complex intersection of politics, healthcare, and personal autonomy with Dr. Elizabeth Janiak. From the ongoing challenges women face in accessing safe abortion care to the alarming political changes under the current administration, we explore the implications of these policies and their impact on marginalized communities, especially Black and low-income women. We discuss critical topics like the halt on maternal health research, the historical significance of the Comstock Act, what happens when these services are limited and how abortion bans could increase maternal mortality. We also discuss the documentary AKA Jane Roe, where the woman behind the infamous Roe v. Wade case reveals the extent to which political movements, particularly the evangelical right, have influenced the fight over abortion rights. Through personal stories, expert insights, and a deep dive into the political landscape, this episode reveals the dangerous consequences of restricting reproductive healthcare access and the power of collective action to protect reproductive rights. For more from Dr. Brittney Francis: Tik Tok  Instagram  Publications Produced by Peoples Media Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In part two of this deeply moving conversation, we turn our focus to the mental health toll of genocide, especially on children—the most vulnerable victims of conflict— even once it ends. Dr. B Fran and Dr. Sawsan Abdulrahim discuss the psychological scars that last long after the violence ends, exploring the immense impact of trauma, loss, and displacement on young minds. Children, often witnessing the brutality of genocide, carry the weight of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and a profound sense of loss. Without access to mental health care, their future is shaped by unresolved trauma that can affect their physical health, cognitive development, and emotional well-being for years to come. We also examine how public health professionals can stand in solidarity with these children and their families, emphasizing the need for international advocacy, resources, and psychosocial support. What role does public health play in fostering a system that prioritizes healing and recovery for young survivors? This episode is a call to action: children are not just the future—they are the present, and they need immediate, long-term support to recover from the psychological devastation of genocide. Join us for an urgent discussion on how the international community can address the mental health crisis facing children in conflict zones, ensuring that the invisible scars of trauma don’t define their futures. For more from Dr. Brittney Francis: Tik Tok  Instagram  Publications Produced by Peoples Media Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this powerful episode of Higher Education of Dr. B Fran, we explore the far-reaching public health consequences of genocide, viewed through the lens of the structural determinants of health framework. Our guest is Dr. Sawsan Abdulrahim, a professor at the American University of Beirut and the granddaughter of Palestinian refugees displaced during the 1948 Nakba. Dr. Abdulrahim brings a personal, academic, and historical perspective as she examines the ongoing health impacts of displacement on Palestinian communities—focusing on women and children who bear the brunt of both physical and psychological trauma. Through candid discussion, we explore how the legacy of the Nakba and contemporary instances of genocide continues to shape the health outcomes of Palestinian families today. From malnutrition and inadequate healthcare to trauma and chronic stress, the episode delves into how these health burdens transcend generations, affecting entire communities. As families continue to be displaced and migrate throughout the region, what are the long-term implications for public health? How do migration patterns, forced displacement, and violence intersect with issues of access to care, mental health, and community well-being?  Join us as we unpack the intersection of genocide, displacement, and public health—and why the health of a people is intrinsically linked to the social and political structures that shape their world. For more from Dr. Brittney Francis: Tik Tok  Instagram  Publications Produced by Peoples Media Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The maternal mortality crisis is about more than just healthcare—it’s a reflection of deep social, economic, and structural inequities that disproportionately affect marginalized communities around the world. In this episode of Higher Education with Dr. Fran, Dr. B Fran examines the complex web of factors contributing to maternal death and morbidity, from systemic discrimination in healthcare settings to lack of infrastructure like sidewalks that prevent pregnant people from taking part in simple recommendations like walking. The episode also explores the devastating role of gender-based violence, which is emerging as a leading cause of maternal death, especially in the wake of changes to reproductive rights in the United States. From healthcare settings that perpetuate discrimination to the social and environmental conditions that shape the lived experiences of pregnant people, this episode shows that the maternal health crisis is far more than a problem of access or quality of care—it’s a call for comprehensive, cross-sectoral solutions to protect the lives of mothers across the lifecourse.This episode is a call for a reimagined approach—one that addresses the root causes of maternal mortality by centering equity, justice, and systemic change. How do we build a world where every person, regardless of race, class, or gender, has access to the care, protection, and opportunities they need to thrive throughout pregnancy and beyond? We explore what policies, practices, and societal shifts are needed to create a truly equitable maternal health system. Join us as we rethink the crisis—and the solutions—in a way that makes equity not just an aspiration, but a foundational principle for global maternal health. For more from Dr. Brittney Francis: Tik Tok  Instagram  Publications Produced by Peoples Media Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever wondered what really shapes our health beyond doctor visits and diet charts? Tune in to this new episode in this podclass where Dr. B Fran dives into the fascinating world of Social Determinants of Health (SDoH)—the often-overlooked yet critical factors that influence health outcomes and drive health inequities. Spoiler alert: it’s way bigger than you think! Dr. B Fran breaks down the five key domains of SDoH—economic stability, educational access and quality, social and community context, health care access and quality, and neighborhood and built environment. But here’s the twist: these aren’t just isolated factors. They’re a tightly interconnected web that profoundly impacts every aspect of our health. And not everyone experiences them equally. Marginalization and oppression ensure that some communities bear the brunt of health disparities, globally and right here in the U.S. This episode doesn’t just highlight the problems—it’s a call to action. Dr. B Fran explores how our healthcare systems often fall into the trap of blaming individuals for their health challenges without recognizing the larger, systemic forces at work. If you’re a public health pro, medical practitioner, or just someone passionate about health justice, you’ll leave with the tools and insights to start questioning: What role do you play in addressing these inequities? And what can we all do to push for real systems-level change? Tune in for an engaging, eyes, ears, nose, knees and toe, a whole body-opening discussion that challenges the way we think about health, responsibility, and equity. It’s time to shift the focus from individual blame to systemic solutions. Let’s rethink health together! For more from Dr. Brittney Francis: Tik Tok  Instagram  Publications Produced by Peoples Media Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Get ready for a timely and thought-provoking episode that tackles the complex relationship between politics and public health in the wake of the 2024 U.S. presidential election! Dr. B Fran dives headfirst into the dynamic changes shaping public health funding, research priorities, and global health initiatives—and how these shifts could ripple across the nation and beyond. Public health might seem like a nonpartisan issue, but the reality is far messier. From heated debates about healthcare and COVID-19 to pressing issues of health equity and emerging crises, Dr. B Fran unpacks how election outcomes could redefine the future of public health. And she doesn’t shy away from controversy. What about the critics of public health institutions? Could some of their grievances be valid? She explores how missteps in addressing public concerns have fueled growing distrust—and what it will take to rebuild confidence. This isn’t just a policy chat; it’s a candid, engaging exploration of what it means to be a public health scientist in a divided world. How do we navigate a landscape where science is often viewed through a partisan lens? Join us for an honest, insightful discussion about trust, accountability, and the urgent reforms needed to move toward a healthier, more united future. Whether you’re a public health pro, a policy junkie, or just someone who cares about where we’re headed, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in and join the conversation! For more from Dr. Brittney Francis: Tik Tok  Instagram  Publications Produced by Peoples Media Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.