
WSPID Podcast Series: Season 2
Welcome to the new season of WSPID Podcast, your source for expert insights and the latest developments in Pediatric Infectious Diseases (PID). Hosted by the World Society for Pediatric Infectious Diseases (WSPID), a global confederation of national and international PID societies, our podcast brings together top professionals from around the world to explore critical topics in pediatric infectious diseases.
From clinical case discussions to emerging research, ethical considerations, and innovations in diagnostics, our episodes offer diverse perspectives on the challenges and advancements shaping pediatric healthcare today.
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Episodes
Episode 1: Empowering Women in Science: Prof. Asha Bowen’s Impactful Journey
Season 2 of the WSPID Podcast kicks off with WSPID President Professor Asha Bowen, OAM.
Host Dr. Linny Phuong explores her career, impact on Aboriginal child health, and insights on women in global health leadership. They discuss her work on skin health, mentorship, values-based science, indigenous collaboration, and future priorities in pediatric infectious diseases amid climate change.
Guest: WSPID President, Professor Asha Bowen, OAM
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Episode 2: Empathy and Evidence: Strategies Against Vaccine Hesitancy
In this WSPID Podcast episode, hosts Alicia Chang and Daniel Jarovsky speak with Dr. Melissa Palmieri, a leading immunization expert in Brazil, about the country’s experience. They discuss key drivers of hesitancy—like misinformation and cultural beliefs—along with effective communication strategies and successful public health efforts in São Paulo to boost vaccination rates for HPV, COVID-19, and dengue.
Guest: Melissa Palmieri MD, São Paulo, Brazil
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Episode 3: Dengue and Its Global Challenges: Insights from Brazil and Argentina
In this episode of the WSPID Podcast, hosts Alicia Chang and Daniel Jarovsky explore the rising burden of dengue in Brazil and Argentina. Joined by experts Dr. Eduardo López and Dr. Julio Croda, they discuss pediatric case patterns, vaccine rollout lessons, diagnostic challenges, and the role of pediatricians in education and prevention—plus the growing impact of climate change on dengue transmission.
Guests: Dr. Eduardo López, Argentina and Dr. Julio Croda, Brasil
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Episode 4: Leading with Science: Pediatricians on the Frontline of Health Equity
In this episode of the WSPID Podcast, we dive into the important role pediatricians can play in public advocacy and reflect on the current challenges in this area. Host Dr Alicia Chang is joined by two global leaders in pediatric infectious diseases: Professor Asha Bowen – current WSPID President, and Head of the Healthy Skin and ARF Prevention Team at Kids Research Institute Australia and Professor Fiona Russell – Co-Chair of WSPID International Scientific Committee, and Director of the Child & Adolescent Health PhD Program, University of Melbourne
Guests: Professor Asha Bowen and Professor Fiona Russell
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Episode 5: Climate Change and Pediatrics: Preparing for New Infectious Threats
Join Dr Alicia Chang and Dr Daniel Jarovsky as they host a discussion on the impact of climate change on pediatric infectious diseases and future threats. The episode focuses on the impact of rising temperatures on spread and severity of infectious diseases. They explore the impact of climate change, urbanization and poverty on the global geography of arboviruses
Guests: Prof. Desiree LaBeaud and Assoc. Prof. Kleber Giovanni Luz
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Episode 6: Innovative Approaches to Transforming Neonatal and Pediatric AMS
In the first of a two part special on pediatric antimicrobial stewardship, join host A/Prof. Penelope Bryant as she interviews Dr. Dena van den Bergh, a renowned leader in antimicrobial stewardship research, about successful initiatives in South Africa. Learn about the challenges and innovative strategies used to improve neonatal and pediatric care, including collaborative efforts, system changes, and the importance of sustaining these interventions. Dr. van den Bergh highlights key initiatives, shares real-world examples, and emphasizes the critical role of collective stewardship in combating antimicrobial resistance.
Guests: Dr. Dena van den Bergh
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Episode 7: Global Perspectives: Overcoming AMR in Pediatric Hospitals
In this second of a two part special on pediatric antimicrobial stewardship, join host Professor Angela Dramowski as she interviews two renowned experts in the field based in Brazil. Key topics include the critical nature of AMS for vulnerable patient populations, overcoming challenges such as staff turnover, personalizing AMS initiatives based on local epidemiology, involving all healthcare professionals, and measuring the impact of these programs on clinical outcomes and practical advice for pediatricians starting or strengthening AMS programs.
Guests: Dr. André Ricardo Araujo da Silva and Dr. Fabianne Carlesse
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Episode 8: Voices from the Field: Pediatric Infectious Diseases in Humanitarian Crises
In this episode of the WSPID Podcast we explored the health challenges faced by refugee children and the impact conflict and displacement has on pediatric infectious diseases. The conversation covers infectious diseases and other health threats faced by refugee children in Uganda, including malaria, measles, tuberculosis and malnutrition, barriers to immunization in humanitarian contexts and success strategies to improve vaccine coverage and access.
Guests: Professor Edison Mworozi and Dr. Jonathan Nkalubo
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This podcast is supported by an Educational Grant from Takeda.