24. The Modernization of the Public Health System

In this episode of Contagious Conversations, Dr. Anand Parekh breaks down the critical population health and policy issues facing the United States now—plus what's needed in a public health workforce of the future.

Dr. Parekh is the chief medical advisor for the Bipartisan Policy Center. Prior to joining the BPC, he served for ten years at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, playing instrumental roles in the implementation of the Recovery Act’s Prevention and Wellness Fund, the Affordable Care Act, and HHS’ Multiple Chronic Conditions Initiative. Dr. Parekh is a board-certified internal medicine physician, a fellow of the American College of Physicians, and an adjunct assistant professor of medicine at Johns Hopkins University. 

For a full episode transcript, visit cdcfoundation.org/conversations.

Key Takeaways:

[1:53] Dr. Parekh discusses his role at the Bipartisan Policy Center.

[3:52] What is Dr. Parekh’s focus area in health?

[5:05] Why is the Public Health Forward framework needed?

[7:12] Dr. Parekh explains how COVID-19 has served as a catalyst for other health issues.

[8:59] Dr. Parekh explains what he meant by his statement at the first Lights, Camera, Action National Summit, saying “If public health doesn’t do its work, we all suffer.”

[10:45] What is needed in the public health workforce that we do not have today?

[13:47] Dr. Parekh shares what surprised him during the first Summit.

[14:52] Dr. Parekh talks about his book titled Prevention First: Policymaking in America.

[20:06] Dr. Parekh shares how our country can better invest in public health.

[21:41] Did COVID-19 put a spotlight on the need for better investments in public health?

[24:00] How can we do better to reduce preventable deaths in America?

[25:22] What does Dr. Parekh see as our nation’s biggest challenges ahead as we enter the third year of the COVID-19 pandemic?

[29:45] Dr. Parekh shares why he is hopeful about our nation’s capacity to tackle all of our health challenges, even in addition to COVID-19.

[30:55] Dr. Parekh shares his advice to those pursuing a career in public health.

Mentioned in This Episode: