Building Global Vaccine Confidence through Diplomacy with Peter J. Hotez , MD, PhD

Infectious IDeas

In this episode, hosts Marla Dalton, PE, CAE, and William Schaffner, MD, talk with Peter J. Hotez, MD, PhD, dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine. He shares insights from his influential career in vaccine science and diplomacy, from how the field has changed over time, how his experience as the father of an autistic daughter helped shape his career, and what we can all be doing to counter anti-science rhetoric and help build vaccine confidence.
Show notes

An internationally recognized physician-scientist, Hotez is a professor at Baylor College of Medicine, co-director of the Texas Children’s Center for Vaccine Development, and Texas Children’s Hospital Endowed Chair of Tropical Pediatrics. For decades, he has led global efforts to develop new vaccines for neglected diseases around the world affecting hundreds of millions of people. In December of 2021, he led efforts at Texas Children’s to develop a low-cost COVID-19vaccine for global health, resulting in emergency use authorization in India. He is also an elected member of the National Academy of Medicine and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and is the prolific author of more than 650 publications, including the newest book, “The Deadly Rise of Anti-Science: A Scientist's Warning.” He frequently testifies before Congress and appears as a guest for national media outlets, always sporting his distinctive bowtie.