Advertise on podcast: Let's Talk ID

What exactly makes a paper a good fit for the Journal of Infectious Diseases? JID Editor-in-Chief and Professor of Medicine, Oncology and Molecular Microbiology and Immunology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Cynthia Sears, MD, FIDSA, and JID Deputy Editor and Associate Professor of Medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Jonathan Li, MD, FIDSA, join CID Editor-in-Chief and Let’s Talk ID host, Paul Sax, MD, FIDSA, to discuss the journal’s focus on translational science, new features, mentorship opportunities and some of the research they’re most excited about.

Meet the newest voices behind Let’s Talk ID. Infectious disease physicians Kelly Cawcutt, MD, MS, FACP, FIDSA, FCCM, FSHEA, and Nico Cortes-Penfield, MD, FACP, FIDSA, join the podcast as co-hosts for episodes focused on research published in IDSA journals. In their first episode, they speak with Joy Juskowich, MD, and Arif Sarwari, MBA, MD, MSC, authors of a Clinical Infectious Diseases study on early transition from IV to oral antibiotics and discuss its implications for clinical practice.  The study: https://academic.oup.com/cid/article/82/4/e674/8384448

Trust alone doesn't always change minds. Buddy Creech, MD, MPH, FPIDS, sits down with Todd Wolynn, MD, MMM, executive director of the Trusted Messenger Program, to share practical communication strategies that help clinicians build trust, navigate difficult conversations and guide patients toward evidence-based decisions.

IDSA CEO Jeanne Marrazzo, MD, MPH, FIDSA, sits down with Past President, Daniel McQuillen, MD, FIDSA, and private practice infectious diseases physician, Sneha Thatipelli, MD, to discuss the value of volunteering with IDSA, finding the right opportunity and how getting involved can shape your career. The 2026 IDSA Call for Volunteers is open now through Friday, July 31. Apply (member login required): https://bit.ly/4gWz6qK

Host Mati Hlatshwayo Davis, MD, MPH, FIDSA is joined by IDSA Senior Vice President of Public Policy and Government Relations Amanda Jezek to discuss the policy challenges shaping infectious diseases, public health and research ahead of the midterm elections. They explore IDSA's advocacy strategy, recent policy wins and how ID professionals can build relationships with policymakers to drive meaningful change.

Paul Sax, MD, FIDSA sits down with comedy-writer, Mike Reiss, and his wife, Denise Reiss, to discuss a lifetime of travel experiences spanning more than 100 countries. From submarine dives and whale sharks to a hospitalization caused by Shigella, they recount remarkable adventures and the health risks that can emerge when exploring the world.

Host Mati Hlatshwayo Davis, MD, MPH, FIDSA, is joined by Darrell McBride, DO, FIDSA, former program director and founder of the Geisinger Ryan White Program, to discuss the realities of delivering HIV and infectious diseases care in rural communities. They explore barriers to care, the role of telehealth and public health partnerships, and what it takes to build sustainable, equity-focused programs in underserved areas.

IDSA CEO Jeanne Marrazzo, MD, MPH, FIDSA, hosts IDSA board members Ronald Nahass, MD, MHCM, FIDSA, Wendy Armstrong, MD, FIDSA, and Max Brito, MD, MPH, FIDSA, to discuss the challenges and opportunities shaping the field of infectious diseases. From defending vaccine science to strengthening the ID workforce and growing membership, the group shares how IDSA is responding to today’s health care challenges and preparing for the future.

Host Paul Sax, MD, FIDSA, and guest Rebeca Plank, MD, MPH, return for another Let’s Talk ID draft, this time, sharing infectious diseases “love/hates.” They discuss the tools, tests and clinical strategies that inspire both enthusiasm and hesitation in everyday ID practice, and what these mixed feelings reveal about how the field continues to evolve.

Host Buddy Creech, MD, MPH, FPIDS, is joined by pediatric infectious diseases fellows to explore what it takes to be an effective vaccine advocate, from patient conversations to policymaking. They discuss the importance of clear communication, building trust, and advancing policies that protect equitable access to vaccines. Become an advocate: www.idsociety.org/MAP ID/HIV Advocate Learning Series: https://academy.idsociety.org/content/become-idhiv-advocate-learning-series

Paul Sax, MD, FIDSA, sits down with Patrick Passarelli, MD, a med-peds ID physician at Dartmouth-Hitchcock and ID editor for theMednet, to explore how clinicians can get expert guidance beyond AI. They dive into the origins of theMednet, what makes a great clinical question, and how this growing community of medical experts is shaping practice.

In a special encore presentation in honor of Black History Month, Let’s Talk ID host and IDSA Board member Mati Hlatshwayo Davis, MD, MPH, FIDSA, speaks with HIVMA Chair Allison Agwu, MD, ScM, FIDSA, HIVMA Immediate Past Chair Michelle Cespedes, MD, MS, and Darrell McBride, DO, about their experiences as Black infectious diseases physicians.

Paul Sax, MD, FIDSA, sits down with infectious disease and critical care physician, Matthew Brigmon, MD, of the University of Texas at San Antonio, to explore his unique path as a double-boarded physician. They discuss the challenges and rewards of combining the two specialties and share guidance for trainees interested in forging a career in ID Critical Care.

Host Mati Hlatshwayo Davis, MD, MPH, FIDSA, and former CDC director Demetre Daskalakis MD, MPH, explore the current state of public health. They discuss how political pressures and weakened infrastructure have left the system vulnerable, and how this moment could spark a public health “renaissance."

Let's Talk ID hosts, Buddy Creech, MD, MPH, FPIDS, Mati Hlatshwayo Davis, MD, MPH, FIDSA and Paul Sax, MD, FIDSA reunite live at IDWeek 2025 to share their hottest takes on infectious diseases and public health. They discuss the controversial dismantling of CDC, exciting breakthroughs in treating staph aureus bacteremia, and shifts that could shape the future of the field.