The National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) has release a new episode of its Infectious Ideas podcast, featuring Anne Schuchat, MD, former U.S. Assistant Surgeon General and longtime Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) leader.
In Season 4, Episode 4: “Listening, Learning, and Leading,” Schuchat joins NFID CEO Marla Dalton, CAE, and William Schaffner, MD, for an insightful conversation about leadership, communication, and resilience in public health.
Throughout her more than three decades in service, Schuchat played key roles in major health responses including the AIDS crisis, anthrax attacks, SARS, and the H1N1 influenza pandemic. In the episode, she reflects on the mentors and experiences that shaped her career and the importance of empathy, courage, and humility in leading through uncertainty.
A highly respected epidemiologist and physician, Schuchat emphasizes that listening and collaboration remain essential for building trust and navigating public health challenges. She also shares lessons learned from managing complex crises and the importance of fostering a culture of learning and teamwork within public health institutions.
In 2018, NFID honored Schuchat with the John P. Utz Leadership Award for her outstanding contributions to the field.