Let’s Talk ID
- Episodes
- 250
- Released
- every two weeks
- Latest episode
- Nov 7, 2026
About the podcast
Let's Talk ID is a podcast by the Infectious Diseases Society of America, featuring discussions with experts on a range of topics related to infectious diseases including antimicrobial resistance, ID diagnostics and outbreaks such as COVID-19, Ebola and measles. Episodes on IDSA’s guidelines are also available.*The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the Infectious Diseases Society of America.
Episodes 250
IDWeek 2026: Clinical Takeaways, Hot Takes and Regular Bananas
Live from IDWeek 2026, Let's Talk ID hosts Drs. Buddy Creech, Kelly Cawcutt and Paul Sax share their biggest clinical takeaways and hot takes from the meeting. They discuss new developments in antifungal …
Show notes
Live from IDWeek 2026, Let's Talk ID hosts Drs. Buddy Creech, Kelly Cawcutt and Paul Sax share their biggest clinical takeaways and hot takes from the meeting. They discuss new developments in antifungal treatments, NTM, hospital-onset sepsis, influenza and measles, along with evolving approaches to antibiotic treatment.
Plagues and Icons: The Stories that Shaped ID | Calvin Kunin: A Life in Infectious Diseases (Part 2)
In Part 2 of Plagues and Icons: The Stories That Shaped ID, IDSA President-Elect Max Brito, MD, MPH, FIDSA, continues his conversation with Calvin Kunin, MD, FIDSA, 97, about his pioneering UTI research and …
Show notes
In Part 2 of Plagues and Icons: The Stories That Shaped ID, IDSA President-Elect Max Brito, MD, MPH, FIDSA, continues his conversation with Calvin Kunin, MD, FIDSA, 97, about his pioneering UTI research and remarkable career in infectious diseases.
Plagues and Icons: The Stories that Shaped ID | Calvin Kunin: A Life in Infectious Diseases (Part 1)
In this episode of Plagues and Icons: The Stories that Shaped ID, a new series from Let’s Talk ID, IDSA Vice President Max Brito, MD, MPH, FIDSA, speaks with Calvin Kunin, MD, FIDSA, 97, about his pioneering …
Show notes
In this episode of Plagues and Icons: The Stories that Shaped ID, a new series from Let’s Talk ID, IDSA Vice President Max Brito, MD, MPH, FIDSA, speaks with Calvin Kunin, MD, FIDSA, 97, about his pioneering research on urinary tract infections and the experiences that shaped his career.
Inside JID: Translational Science and the Future of Infectious Diseases
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 …
Show notes
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.
From IV to Oral: What the COPAT Trial Tells Us
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 …
Show notes
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
Your Patients Trust You, but Do They Believe You?
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 …
Show notes
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.
Finding Your Place at IDSA: Why Getting Involved Matters
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 …
Show notes
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
ID Advocacy in Action: Shaping Policy Ahead of the Midterms
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 …
Show notes
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.
When Adventure Meets Infectious Diseases
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 …
Show notes
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.
Building HIV Care in Rural America
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 …
Show notes
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.
Advocacy, Workforce & the Future of ID: A Conversation With IDSA Leadership
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 …
Show notes
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.
The Draft Returns: Love/Hates in Infectious Diseases
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 …
Show notes
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.
From Clinic to Capitol Hill: What It Means to Be a Vaccine Advocate
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 …
Show notes
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-seriesInside theMednet: The Community of Experts Solving Tough Clinical Questions
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 …
Show notes
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.
Encore: Black in ID
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 …
Show notes
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.
Charting a Path in ID Critical Care
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 …
Show notes
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.
From Darkness to Opportunity: Reimagining the Future of Public Health
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 …
Show notes
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."
Live from IDWeek 2025: Infectious Diseases Hot Takes
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 …
Show notes
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.
Blending Art, Medicine and Charity
Ana Velez, MD, FACP, joins Paul Sax, MD, FIDSA, to share how her passion for art fuels her work in infectious diseases, from teaching through medical illustrations to using her art to give back to the ID …
Show notes
Ana Velez, MD, FACP, joins Paul Sax, MD, FIDSA, to share how her passion for art fuels her work in infectious diseases, from teaching through medical illustrations to using her art to give back to the ID community. Dr. Velez reveals the inspirations behind her work and how creativity brings new meaning to medicine. She also discusses her latest series of paintings that she is donating to the IDSA Foundation's Art Auction.
Bid now to own one of Dr. Velez's paintings: https://givebutter.com/c/pclXSb/auction
Let's Talk HIV: Street Medicine
Anna Person, MD, FIDSA, discusses the role of street medicine in improving access to HIV services and opportunities to support SM programs under Medicaid with Nathan Nolan, MD, MPH, MPHE, Founder of Street …
Show notes
Anna Person, MD, FIDSA, discusses the role of street medicine in improving access to HIV services and opportunities to support SM programs under Medicaid with Nathan Nolan, MD, MPH, MPHE, Founder of Street Medicine STL and Chris Menschner, Director, Complex Care Programs at the Center for Health Care Strategies.
Safeguarding Public Health with the Vaccine Integrity Project
Bruce Gellin, MD, MPH, FIDSA, ID physician and senior advisor at the Georgetown University Global Health Institute, joins Buddy Creech, MD, MPH, FPIDS, to discuss the Vaccine Integrity Project and the …
Show notes
Bruce Gellin, MD, MPH, FIDSA, ID physician and senior advisor at the Georgetown University Global Health Institute, joins Buddy Creech, MD, MPH, FPIDS, to discuss the Vaccine Integrity Project and the importance of ensuring vaccine policy remains grounded in evidence. The two explore strategies for countering misinformation, building public trust, and empowering health care professionals to engage in constructive conversations about immunization.
The Cost of Cutting Public Health (Pt. 2)
Judy Guzman-Cottrill, DO, Professor of Pediatrics at Oregon Health & Science University, and John Brooks, MD, former CDC medical officer, rejoin Mati Hlatshwayo Davis, MD, MPH, FIDSA, to discuss the impact of …
Show notes
Judy Guzman-Cottrill, DO, Professor of Pediatrics at Oregon Health & Science University, and John Brooks, MD, former CDC medical officer, rejoin Mati Hlatshwayo Davis, MD, MPH, FIDSA, to discuss the impact of federal funding cuts, including the return of preventable diseases, the loss of mental health resources, and what can be done to protect the progress made toward health equity.
The Cost of Cutting Public Health (Pt. 1)
In this two-part series, Judy Guzman-Cottrill, DO, Professor of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases at Oregon Health and Science University, and John Brooks, MD, former CDC medical officer and …
Show notes
In this two-part series, Judy Guzman-Cottrill, DO, Professor of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases at Oregon Health and Science University, and John Brooks, MD, former CDC medical officer and epidemiologist, join Mati Hlatshwayo Davis, MD, MPH, FIDSA, to discuss the real-time consequences of federal funding cuts on public health. From dismantled community partnerships to stalled clinical trials, the three examine how these decisions are reshaping pandemic preparedness, and what we risk losing next.
Gaslighting in ID and the Push for Fair Compensation
ID physicians Priya Nori, MD, FSHEA, FIDSA, and Gonzalo Bearman, MD, MPH, FACP, FSHEA, FIDSA, join Paul Sax, MD, FIDSA, to discuss challenges often faced by ID specialists, including gaslighting and …
Show notes
ID physicians Priya Nori, MD, FSHEA, FIDSA, and Gonzalo Bearman, MD, MPH, FACP, FSHEA, FIDSA, join Paul Sax, MD, FIDSA, to discuss challenges often faced by ID specialists, including gaslighting and uncompensated labor. The three discuss how physicians can advocate for themselves, set boundaries, and push for meaningful change within their institutions.
Are We Being Gaslit? A Primer for Recognizing Corporate Jargon to Overcome Gaslighting for the Infectious Disease Workforce: https://academic.oup.com/cid/advance-article-abstract/doi/10.1093/cid/ciaf097/8056053
Minimizing Low-Value, Uncompensated Work in Academic Infectious Diseases: A 6-Step Program: https://academic.oup.com/cid/article/78/6/1656/7610959
Changing Course: A Doctor’s Journey from Family Medicine to Infectious Diseases
Infectious diseases fellow Sam Peterson, MD, shares her unique journey to ID with Buddy Creech, MD, MPH, FPIDS. The two explore the power of mentorship, the value of storytelling, and what it takes to inspire …
Show notes
Infectious diseases fellow Sam Peterson, MD, shares her unique journey to ID with Buddy Creech, MD, MPH, FPIDS. The two explore the power of mentorship, the value of storytelling, and what it takes to inspire the next generation of ID specialists.
Federal ACA Threats and How They Could Impact Access to HIV Care and Treatment
John Fangman, MD, discusses threats to the Affordable Care Act and how they could impact people with HIV with JoAnn Volk, MA, research professor, founder, and co-director of the Center on Health Insurance …
Show notes
John Fangman, MD, discusses threats to the Affordable Care Act and how they could impact people with HIV with JoAnn Volk, MA, research professor, founder, and co-director of the Center on Health Insurance Reforms at Georgetown University’s McCourt School of Public Policy and Tim Horn, Director, Medication Access at NASTAD.
Navigating a Career in Infectious Diseases: A Guide for International Medical Graduates
Paul Sax, MD, FIDSA, is joined by infectious diseases physicians and international medical graduates, Vidya Sundareshan, MD, and Alfredo Mena Lora, MD, FIDSA, to discuss how international medical graduates …
Show notes
Paul Sax, MD, FIDSA, is joined by infectious diseases physicians and international medical graduates, Vidya Sundareshan, MD, and Alfredo Mena Lora, MD, FIDSA, to discuss how international medical graduates (IMGs) can pursue a career in infectious diseases. The trio discuss visa options, job search strategies, and how political change could impact the process.
Measles and the Rise of Vaccine Preventable Diseases
Paul Sax, MD, FIDSA, speaks with Adam Ratner, MD, MPH, Professor of Pediatrics and Microbiology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine and Director of the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at Hassenfeld …
Show notes
Paul Sax, MD, FIDSA, speaks with Adam Ratner, MD, MPH, Professor of Pediatrics and Microbiology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine and Director of the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital and Bellevue Hospital Center, about his book, "Booster Shots: The Urgent Lessons of Measles" and the rise of vaccine preventable diseases.
Why Medicaid Matters: Why Protecting Medicaid Matters for People with HIV
Anna Person, MD discusses threats to the Medicaid program and how they could impact people with HIV with Kate McManus, MD, MSc, FIDSA, Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Virginia in the …
Show notes
Anna Person, MD discusses threats to the Medicaid program and how they could impact people with HIV with Kate McManus, MD, MSc, FIDSA, Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Virginia in the Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health and Amy Killelea, JD, Assistant Research Professor at the Georgetown University Center on Health Insurance Reforms (CHIR) and consultant to the HIV Medicine Association.
Leveraging Analytics and Disease Forecasting in Public Health
IDSA Board Member Mati Hlatshwayo Davis, MD, MPH, FIDSA, discusses public health forecasting and response efforts with Lior Rennert, PhD, director of the Center for Public Health Modeling and Response at …
Show notes
IDSA Board Member Mati Hlatshwayo Davis, MD, MPH, FIDSA, discusses public health forecasting and response efforts with Lior Rennert, PhD, director of the Center for Public Health Modeling and Response at Clemson University, and Dylan George, PhD, director of CDC’s Center for Forecasting and Outbreak Analytics (CFA).
These are the latest 40 of 250 episodes. You’ll find older episodes in the podcast’s feed.
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