We discuss the latest in medical research and ideas.
April 16, 2025
2025-04-11 Hosts Craig Lipset and Jane Myles were joined by our partners TransCelerate BioPharma Inc. and ACRO for a discussion on their tools & solutions that were developed to better understand the ICH E6 R3. We welcomed Christine Goffe (UCB), Paul Slagle (IQVIA), and Hasnaa Likaoui (BMS) to share about the data lifecycle framework tool and the trial design considerations tool that they have worked on to help better support trial planning and design.The tools can be found online at the following websites:Transcelerate ICH E6 Asset Library -- https://www.transceleratebiopharmainc.com/assets/ich-e6-asset-library/Transcelerate ICH E6 R3 Tools & Resources Webinar -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-6vM6hOLcU&feature=youtu.beACRO Interpreting ICH E6 R3 -- https://www.acrohealth.org/initiatives-hub/interpreting-ich-e6r3/You can join TGIF-DTRA Sessions live on Friday's at 12:00 PM ET by checking out our LinkedIn. Follow the Decentralized Trials & Research Alliance (DTRA) on LinkedIn and X. Learn more about Membership options and our work at www.dtra.org.
April 14, 2025
Featuring articles on cancer-associated venous thromboembolism, endovascular treatment for stroke, dapagliflozin in patients undergoing TAVI, screening for prostate cancer, and extrachromosomal DNA; a review article on otitis media in young children; a case report of a woman with flank pain, fever, and hypoxemia; and Perspectives on some efforts toward equity and on breaking the sacred promise. Supplement to the New England Journal of Medicine, Vol. 392, No. 14.
April 9, 2025
2025-04-04 Hosts Craig Lipset and Jane Myles were joined by Kaitlin Morrison from UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center. She shared her experiences with the potential of decentralized clinical trials, particularly in oncology, to expand participation beyond academic medical centers. We discussed the challenges of conducting clinical trials, the importance of trust and information sharing in building partnerships with local healthcare providers, and the potential benefits of working with these providers.Episode Resources:Conducting Clinical Trials With Decentralized ElementsIntegrating Randomized Controlled Trials for Drug and Biological Products Into Routine Clinical PracticeYou can join TGIF-DTRA Sessions live on Friday's at 12:00 PM ET by checking out our LinkedIn. Follow the Decentralized Trials & Research Alliance (DTRA) on LinkedIn to see what sessions are coming next and get the link to join. Learn more about Membership options and our work at www.dtra.org.
April 7, 2025
Featuring articles on HIV prevention, left atrial appendage closure after ablation for atrial fibrillation, timing of thrombolysis for stroke, congenital diarrhea and enteropathy, and the association between wealth and mortality in the United States and Europe; a review article on malaria; a Clinical Problem-Solving describing a “hot” cardiomyopathy; and Perspectives on physician shadowing, application overload, medical school grading, and impersonal personal statements. Supplement to the New England Journal of Medicine, Vol. 392, No. 13.
April 2, 2025
In this episode of Aging Fast & Slow, we explore how home- and community-based services—like Meals on Wheels—can enhance the well-being of older adults. Dr. Kali Thomas, Associate
Director of Health Services Research at the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing’s Center for Equity in Aging, joins us to discuss the evolving landscape of long-term care. From in-home support to assisted living, we examine innovative policies and approaches designed to meet both the medical and non-medical needs of our aging population.
References:
Home-Delivered Meals
Thomas KS, Parikh R, Zullo AR, Dosa D. (2018) Home-Delivered Meals and Risk of Self-Reported Falls: Results From a Randomized Trial. J Appl Gerontol. 2018 Jan;37(1):41-57. PMID: 27798291.
Thomas KS, Smego R, Akobundu U, Dosa D. (2017) Characteristics of Older Adults on Waiting Lists for Meals on Wheels: Identifying Areas for Intervention. J Appl Gerontol. 2017 Oct;36(10):1228-1242. PMCID: PMC4877281.
Thomas KS, Akobundu U, Dosa D. (2016) More Than A Meal? A Randomized Control Trial Comparing the Effects of Home-Delivered Meals Programs on Participants’ Feelings of Loneliness. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc. Sci. 2016 Nov;71(6):1049-1058. PMID: 26613620
Thomas KS, Mor V. (2013) Providing more home-delivered meals is one way to keep older adults with low care needs out of nursing homes. Health Aff (Millwood). 2013 Oct;32(10):1796-1802. PMCID: PMC4001076.
Thomas KS, Gadbois EA, Shield RR, Akobundu U, Morris AM, Dosa DM. (2018) “It’s not just a simple meal. t’s so much more”: Interactions between Meals on Wheels Clients and Divers. J Appl Gerontol. 2018 Dec 20:733464818820226 [Epub ahead of print]. PMID: 30569811.
April 1, 2025
In this episode of A Shot in the Arm Podcast, Ben Plumley talks with Professor Eyal Zimlichman, Chief Transformation Officer and Chief Innovation Officer for the Sheba Medical Center in Israel. They discuss the transformative role of artificial intelligence in global healthcare, from innovations that reduce mortality rates to AI-driven diagnostic tools. Prof. Zimlichman shares insights on leveraging AI for efficiency, reducing healthcare costs, and driving economic growth by fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation. The conversation also delves into how developing countries can leapfrog traditional healthcare models using AI technology, and the importance of AI governance and validation across different populations.
April 1, 2025
Join Eric Goosby and Ben Plumley as they delve into the latest global health news coming out of Washington DC, including funding cuts from the US government to key international health programs, whether the administration will abide by the continuing resolution passed by Congress to fund all global health programs approved by Congress for 2025, and the implications for the UN, Gavi and US academic institutions. They also try to make sense of the significant job cuts announced by the administration to the Department of Health and Human Services today , and the continuing outbreak of measles in the US. These are hectic – if not entirely productive – times in the world of global health. But is a Trump administration strategy emerging from the chaos of executive orders, termination notices and the firing of so many key staff?
00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
01:04 US Government Funding for International Development
01:49 Impact of Funding Cuts on Health and Human Services
02:12 The Growing Measles Crisis
02:36 Debate on Continuing Resolution and Budget Cuts
09:18 Termination of Funding to Gavi
13:25 Public Health Strategy and Administration Tactics
40:58 The Role of Individual Rights in Public Health
47:59 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
💬 Join the Conversation
How do you see the future of global health unfolding? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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March 28, 2025
Featuring articles on intensive blood-pressure control in patients with diabetes, IgG4-related disease, severe chronic rhinosinusitis, advanced breast cancer, and vaccinating against C. difficile infection; a review article on chronic cough in adults; a case report of a man with hepatocellular carcinoma; an editorial on order out of chaos; and Perspectives on health care bridges, on partnerships between pharmaceutical and telehealth companies, and on the definition of failure. Supplement to the New England Journal of Medicine, Vol. 392, No. 12.
March 26, 2025
In this episode of A Shot in the Arm Podcast, hosts Yvette Raphael and Ben Plumley discuss the resilience of South Africa's healthcare system amidst U.S. aid cuts, particularly through USAID and PEPFAR. They highlight the devastating impacts on HIV treatment, TB care, and broader healthcare services due to the sudden cessation of funding. But the country is markedly more prepared than critics might have feared, to assume full responsibility for its infectious diseases strategies - including procurement and surveillance strategies that the US maintained control over in exchange for the aid. Their conversation extends to cover issues around mental health, future healthcare innovations like long-acting antiretrovirals, and the broader geopolitical implications of donor aid cuts.
00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene
00:33 Impact of US Aid Cuts on South Africa
03:08 Healthcare Challenges and Government Response
07:04 The Role of Civil Society and Future Preparations
10:21 Consequences of Sudden Aid Withdrawal
14:17 Future of HIV Treatment and Advocacy
16:55 The Threat of Drug-Resistant TB
17:35 Government Investment in Healthcare
19:01 Mental Health Crisis Among Youth
19:41 Impact of USAID Funding Cuts
20:57 Soft Power and International Relations
22:37 South Africa's Self-Reliance
26:43 Addressing Racism and Emigration
32:42 Parting Thoughts and Optimism
💬 Join the Conversation
How do you see the future of global health unfolding? Share your thoughts in the comments!
🔔 Subscribe & Stay Updated
✅ Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform
✅ Watch on YouTube & subscribe for more in-depth global health discussions - @shotarmpodcast
March 24, 2025
2022-03-18 Host Craig Lipset was joined by Irfan Khan (Circuit Clinical), Kelly McKee (Evinova), and Kerry Hicks (HW Investment Partners) for a conversation around the application of patient experience in clinical research, health ratings for providers, and more.You can join TGIF-DTRA Sessions live on LinkedIn Live on Friday's at 12:00 PM ET by checking out our LinkedIn. Follow the Decentralized Trials & Research Alliance (DTRA) on LinkedIn and X. Learn more about Membership options and our work at www.dtra.org.
March 21, 2025
Featuring articles on breast cancer, bloodstream infection, subarachnoid hemorrhage, scrub typhus, and birth-related mortality; a review article on the evaluation and treatment of infertility; a case report of a woman with altered mental status and acidemia; and Perspectives on advancing transgender health amid policy threats, on evidence-based work design, and on what an oncologist had wished she had done for a grieving father. Supplement to the New England Journal of Medicine, Vol. 392, No. 11.
March 12, 2025
Hosted by
Ben Plumley & Professor Ambassador Eric Goosby
Episode Summary
In this episode of Global Health Diplomats, Ben Plumley and Eric Goosby take a hard look at the state of global health in the wake of major funding shifts and policy changes. With U.S. global health programs facing an uncertain future, can they be salvaged, or are we witnessing the dismantling of decades of progress?
Ben and Eric discuss:
✔️ The impact of U.S. policy changes on PEPFAR, USAID, and global health funding
✔️ The realities of restarting health programs amid political roadblocks
✔️ How countries are shifting towards self-sufficiency in health systems
✔️ Lessons learned from HIV programs pivoting to COVID-19 responses
✔️ The role of European and global players—can they fill the funding gap?
✔️ The future of long-acting HIV treatments and barriers to adoption
✔️ The ethics of global health governance—are programs being abandoned?
✔️ The human cost of these decisions on communities and health professionals
This episode is a must-listen for anyone engaged in global health, policy advocacy, and public health strategy.
Timestamps for Key Moments
00:00 - Welcome & opening remarks: Ben and Eric set the stage for a critical conversation
00:38 - Is global health dead? A frank discussion on where things stand
02:31 - U.S. policy shifts & the fallout for global health programs
07:12 - Can shuttered programs be restarted? The logistical and ethical challenges
13:52 - Global health self-sufficiency: Are countries ready to take control?
17:23 - Can Europe or others step up? The feasibility of alternative funding sources
22:19 - What national programs must prioritize to survive funding cuts
26:29 - Procurement & supply chain challenges—what's at risk?
27:52 - Surveillance & monitoring—a critical piece of the puzzle
29:34 - Long-acting HIV treatments—revolutionary but at risk
32:37 - The politics of health funding—will programs be forced to regress?
36:32 - Clinical guidelines vs. financial and political realities—who decides?
37:55 - Key populations at risk: Why marginalized communities may suffer the most
40:02 - Beyond government funding: Can faith-based organizations & business leaders help?
41:06 - The personal toll on health professionals: How this crisis is affecting those in the field
44:32 - Global solidarity under threat: How shifting geopolitics impact health
47:16 - What happens next? Ben and Eric’s final reflections on the way forward
Join the Conversation
How do you see the future of global health unfolding? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Subscribe & Stay Updated
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- Watch on YouTube & subscribe for more in-depth global health discussions
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March 7, 2025
2022-03-11 Hosts Craig Lipset, Amir Kalali, and Jane Myles were joined by Stacy Hurt (Parexel) for an insightful discussion around the perspective of a patient on the DCT field.You can join TGIF-DTRA Sessions live on LinkedIn Live on Friday's at 12:00 PM ET by checking out our LinkedIn. Follow the Decentralized Trials & Research Alliance (DTRA) on LinkedIn and X. Learn more about Membership options and our work at www.dtra.org.
March 7, 2025
Featuring articles on bacterial vaginosis, diabetes prevention, Danon disease, chronic spontaneous urticaria, and VITT-like monoclonal gammopathy of thrombotic significance; a review article on micronutrients; a Clinical Problem-Solving on unveiling the unforeseen; and Perspectives on bankruptcy and genetic information, on drug development for rare diseases, on facing political attacks on medical education, and on sustaining equity efforts in the face of regression. Supplement to the New England Journal of Medicine, Vol. 392, No. 10.
March 5, 2025
2025-02-28 We welcomed Mike Wenger (FullStack Trials) and Melissa Holbrook (Clinical Research Advisory Group LLC) for a discussion around the biggest challenges in clinical trial technology adoption. We dived into getting feedback from sites, finding new ways to navigate using AI, and moreYou can join TGIF-DTRA Sessions live on LinkedIn Live on Friday's at 12:00 PM ET by checking out our LinkedIn. Follow the Decentralized Trials & Research Alliance (DTRA) on LinkedIn and X. Learn more about Membership options and our work at www.dtra.org.
March 3, 2025
Featuring articles on H5N1 infection, chronic subdural hematoma, achondroplasia, and B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia; a review article on carceral health care; a case report of a woman with weakness, back pain, and pancytopenia; and Perspectives on the changing approach to addiction, on the moral injury of inhaler prescribing, and on how one size fits … some. Supplement to the New England Journal of Medicine, Vol. 392, No. 9.
February 26, 2025
Featuring articles on ventricular tachycardia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, chronic kidney disease, kidney allografts, and a low-dose yellow fever vaccine; a review article on tubal ectopic pregnancy; a case report of a man with abdominal pain; and Perspectives on reducing the financial toxicity of rapidly approved drugs, on resilience, and on the death of an unlikable man. Supplement to the New England Journal of Medicine, Vol. 392, No. 8.
February 19, 2025
Featuring articles on therapies in acute myocardial infarction and in neuroendocrine tumors, mpox in Africa, and T-cell lymphoma after CAR T-cell therapy; a review article on food and nutrition insecurity; a case report of a woman with headache and dysesthesia; and Perspectives on Marburg virus disease in Rwanda, on the rise of private equity in health care, and on medical aid in dying. Supplement to the New England Journal of Medicine, Vol. 392, No. 7.
February 12, 2025
2025-02-07 Hosts Craig Lipset & Jane Myles took the stage to share their thoughts around the SCOPE Summit that was held earlier this week in Orlando, FL. They covered high level findings and thoughts on the environment for 2025 and a download on a few panels they were moderated by the DTRA team.You can join TGIF-DTRA Sessions live on LinkedIn Live on Friday's at 12:00 PM ET by checking out our LinkedIn. Follow the Decentralized Trials & Research Alliance (DTRA) on LinkedIn and X. Learn more about Membership options and our work at www.dtra.org.
February 10, 2025
Hosts: Ben Plumley, Yvette Raphael
Guest: Gregg Gonsalves
Recorded in: Tembisa Mall, Greater Johannesburg, South Africa & New Haven, Connecticut, USA
Welcome to the first A Shot in the Arm podcast of 2025! In this powerful episode, Ben Plumley is joined by co-host Yvette Raphael and Yale professor & activist Gregg Gonsalves to unpack critical global health and equity issues amidst the shifting political landscape.
From the unraveling of public health commitments to rising misinformation, we ask: Are we living in a coup yet? Our guests reflect on the past, draw lessons from the HIV/AIDS movement, and strategize about the road ahead in fighting for public health and human rights.
Key Topics:
[00:00] Welcome & Introductions
[00:50] The US’s commitment to global health: Is it unraveling?
[02:00] Yvette’s 50th birthday & 25 years of living with HIV
[04:00] Misinformation, stigma, and fear in HIV advocacy today
[06:45] The US’s attack on LGBTQ+ health and the implications for global funding
[10:30] RFK Jr. and the growing anti-science movement
[15:40] Is there a method to this madness? Or just chaos?
[22:15] Lessons from the HIV/AIDS movement: How activists fought back
[30:00] The collapse of USAID and its impact on African healthcare
[38:30] Mobilizing the private sector & faith-based organizations
[41:00] The power of digital activism: TikTok, Instagram & misinformation
[45:00] Protest & activism: What tactics work in 2025?
[50:00] Final thoughts: Solidarity, hope & making “beautiful trouble”
Takeaways:
The rollback of global health initiatives, including HIV/AIDS funding, could have devastating effects worldwide.
History has shown that activism works—we must organize, mobilize, and push back.
The fight for public health is interconnected with the fight for democracy and human rights.
Digital media and grassroots organizing will be key tools in countering misinformation and mobilizing support.
Now is the time for action, unity, and resistance.
Join the conversation:
What are your thoughts on the current state of public health?
Subscribe & share this episode to keep the movement strong!
Follow & Connect:
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@shotarmpodcast
Bluesky: @ashotinthearm.bsky.social @ben-plumleybsky.social
Instagram: @ashotinthearmpodcast
TikTok: @ashotinthearmpodcast
Links:
Youtube: www.youtube.com/@ledbydonkeys
Bluesky: @gregggonsalves.bsky.social
#GlobalHealth #PublicHealth #HIVAdvocacy #Activism #Podcast #AShotInTheArm #HealthEquity #HIV #LGBTQHealth #USAID #ScienceMatters
February 8, 2025
Featuring articles on IgA nephropathy, a treatment in children with obesity, NRG1 fusion–positive cancer, a case of a T-cell lymphoma, and the discovery of GLP-1–based drugs; a review article on hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, a Clinical Problem-Solving on traveling companions; and Perspectives on cell and gene therapies, on gender-affirming care, and on the man who lives in the cardboard box. Supplement to the New England Journal of Medicine, Vol. 392, No. 6.
February 5, 2025
2025-01-31 Hosts Jane Myles (DTRA) and Michelle Shogren (Innovate In What You Do!) were joined by Rebecca Kottschade (Mayo Clinic) and Caroline Redeker (Advanced Clinical) to share about the work they led at DTRA around Roles and Responsibilities when using decentralized elements in clinical trials.Sites are overburdened with technology and role ambiguity as the use of DCT methods in clinical trials evolve. It is often unclear to sites whose responsibility it is to do what when using DCT methods. Site considerations for implementation of DCTs include training, ongoing support, cost, risk, responsibility, logistics, integrations, and teaching patients how to use and enable the DCT offerings. This team developed a set of questions to be applied before site selection and at site activation to aid in study planning.The newly released work is now available on the DTRA website at: https://www.dtra.org/roles-and-responsibilities-colabYou can join TGIF-DTRA Sessions live on LinkedIn Live on Friday's at 12:00 PM ET by checking out our LinkedIn. Follow the Decentralized Trials & Research Alliance (DTRA) on LinkedIn and X. Learn more about Membership options and our work at www.dtra.org.
February 3, 2025
Global Health Diplomats | Two weeks of Trump: Our Reaction
Welcome to Global Health Diplomats, a special project of A Shot in the Arm Podcast, brought to you with the support of the John Martin Foundation. Host Ben Plumley joins Ambassador Eric Goosby to discuss the shocking recent announcements from the U.S. administration regarding foreign aid, global health funding, and the withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO).
With sweeping stop-work orders on PEPFAR, USAID, and State Department programs, the global health community is in turmoil. How will these changes impact HIV/AIDS treatment, prevention, and global health diplomacy? Can we find a path forward, or is this a wholesale dismantling of decades of U.S. leadership in global health?
Ben and Eric also discuss the domestic implications of the administration’s controversial policies, including temporary disruptions in federally funded healthcare programs, attacks on transgender rights, and the controversial nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services.
Episode Highlights & Timestamps
[00:00:15] Introduction from the Mall of Africa, South Africa
[00:01:42] Uncertainty and anxiety over U.S. foreign aid decisions
[00:02:36] The importance of U.S. global health funding—how much influence does it really have?
[00:03:45] Is there a method to the madness, or is this a chaotic approach to policy?
[00:06:40] PEPFAR’s funding threat: How a stop-work order could dismantle 23 years of progress
[00:09:15] The attack on "soft power"—is the U.S. retreating from global leadership?
[00:12:40] Will the Trump administration engage in dialogue, or is this a unilateral shift?
[00:14:55] The devastating consequences of withdrawing from the WHO
[00:19:06] The impact on partner countries—will they be left to pick up the pieces?
[00:22:22] The chaos surrounding U.S. domestic health programs
[00:28:53] The rollback of transgender rights and its broader implications
[00:34:59] HHS nominee RFK Jr.—a deeply controversial choice
[00:41:55] What’s next? A call for pragmatic dialogue and action
The stakes for global health, HIV/AIDS funding, and human rights have never been higher. What can advocates, organizations, and individuals do in the face of these challenges? Listen in as we break it all down.
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🎥 Produced & Directed by Erik Espera of NewsDoc Media
🎙 Supported by The John Martin Foundation
Imara Jones on MSNBC - https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8YRnAyU
#GlobalHealth #PEPFAR #PublicHealth #HIV #WHO #USPolitics #ForeignAid #TrumpAdministration #LGBTQRights #TransRights #HHS #AIDSPolicy #HealthDiplomacy
February 1, 2025