4 years after the United States Supreme Court ruled in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, overturning Roe v. Wade and ending the constitutional right to abortion in the United States, many of us are wondering where we are now with abortion rights. What has been the impact pre- and post-Dobbs, and do Americans really want abortion to be legal anyway?

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Disclaimer:

The views expressed are those of the host and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the institutions with which the host is affiliated. Reference to any commercial products within does not create or imply any endorsement by institutions with which the host is affiliated. The episode is not medical or policy advice. The host has no conflicts of interest and no funding to disclose.

Earlier this month, the White House moved to reclassify thousands of federal workers, including public health workers, into a new employment category, Schedule Policy/Career, through an executive order. This reclassification transformed positions such as epidemiologists and health scientists into “at-will” hires while removing civil service protections. Where does this leave health experts in the government?

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Disclaimer:

The views expressed are those of the host and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the institutions with which the host is affiliated. Reference to any commercial products within does not create or imply any endorsement by institutions with which the host is affiliated. The episode is not medical or policy advice. The host has no conflicts of interest and no funding to disclose.

The Andes hantavirus outbreak aboard a cruise ship has left 41 people infected, including 18 United States citizens. Some are being monitored in Nebraska, at the National Quarantine Center. There are still questions about this situation, such as how long these individuals should be quarantined for. What is the Andes hantavirus? What does this all mean?

Public Health Observer is a reader and listener-supported publication. To receive new episodes and posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Disclaimer:

The views expressed are those of the host and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the institutions with which the host is affiliated. Reference to any commercial products within does not create or imply any endorsement by institutions with which the host is affiliated. The episode is not medical or policy advice. The host has no conflicts of interest and no funding to disclose.

Tick season is here! With the new season comes serious health risks like Lyme disease, which could become a vaccine-preventable disease! Before that time comes, there are several ways to help protect yourself this season from ticks.

Public Health Observer is a reader and listener-supported publication. To receive new episodes and posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Disclaimer:

The views expressed are those of the host and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the institutions with which the host is affiliated. Reference to any commercial products within does not create or imply any endorsement by institutions with which the host is affiliated. The episode is not medical or policy advice. The host has no conflicts of interest and no funding to disclose.

Titilayomi Abiodun Bio:

Titilayomi Abiodun is a graduate student in Global Epidemiology at Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health, with a passion for advancing health equity through research and community engagement. Her academic and field experiences span infectious disease epidemiology, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), and global health. She has led and contributed to public health initiatives focused on community-based interventions and disease prevention. Titlayomi Abiodun is a graduate student in Global Epidemiology at Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health, with a passion for advancing health equity through research and community engagement. Her academic and field experiences span infectious disease epidemiology, food safety, and environmental health. She has led and contributed to public health initiatives focused on community-based interventions and disease prevention. She aims to leverage her training to improve access to safe water and reduce preventable diseases in low-resource settings.

Disclaimer:

The views expressed in this interview are those of the interviewer and interviewee and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the institutions with which the interviewer and interviewee are affiliated. Reference to any commercial products within does not create or imply any endorsement by institutions with which the interviewer and interviewee are affiliated. The interview is not medical or policy advice. The interviewer and interviewee have no conflicts of interest and no funding to disclose.

There is an epidemic of loneliness and social isolation happening in the United States. Many media outlets say that this epidemic is a "male-only issue," but that is not the case. The experience of loneliness differs between men and women.

Public Health Observer is a reader and listener-supported publication. To receive new episodes and posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Disclaimer:

The views expressed are those of the host and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the institutions with which the host is affiliated. Reference to any commercial products within does not create or imply any endorsement by institutions with which the host is affiliated. The episode is not medical or policy advice. The host has no conflicts of interest and no funding to disclose.

We are only one month into 2026, and we are off to a rough start. Over 500 confirmed cases of measles were reported by the end of January. At present, the best protection against measles is vaccination. While there are side effects, they are rare, and getting vaccinated is safer than contracting measles.

Public Health Observer is a reader and listener-supported publication. To receive new episodes and posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Disclaimer:

The views expressed are those of the host and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the institutions with which the host is affiliated. Reference to any commercial products within does not create or imply any endorsement by institutions with which the host is affiliated. The episode is not medical or policy advice. The host has no conflicts of interest and no funding to disclose.

The VA announced significant staffing reductions, including the dismissal of 1400 probationary employees, and plans to reduce its staff by thirty thousand by the end of fiscal year 2025. For those of us who work to improve veterans' health and well-being, this is alarming and may have negative effects on our veterans.

Public Health Observer is a reader and listener-supported publication. To receive new episodes and posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Disclaimer:

The views expressed are those of the host and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the institutions with which the host is affiliated. Reference to any commercial products within does not create or imply any endorsement by institutions with which the host is affiliated. The episode is not medical or policy advice. The host has no conflicts of interest and no funding to disclose.

The United States federal administration has begun dismantling the federal agency responsible for coordinating support for caregivers and older adults. This move could reshape how millions of Americans care for aging loved ones.

Public Health Observer is a reader and listener-supported publication. To receive new episodes and posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Disclaimer:

The views expressed are those of the host and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the institutions with which the host is affiliated. Reference to any commercial products within does not create or imply any endorsement by institutions with which the host is affiliated. The episode is not medical or policy advice. The host has no conflicts of interest and no funding to disclose.

There is a lot of conversation about the safety of acetaminophen (Tylenol) during pregnancy and the link to autism. Major medical agencies and regulators confirm that acetaminophen is safe and NOT linked to autism.

Public Health Observer is a reader and listener-supported publication. To receive new episodes and posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Disclaimer:

The views expressed are those of the host and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the institutions with which the host is affiliated. Reference to any commercial products within does not create or imply any endorsement by institutions with which the host is affiliated. The episode is not medical or policy advice. The host has no conflicts of interest and no funding to disclose.