Joshua Sharfstein
@drjoshs.bsky.social
Posting on public health topics … some interesting photos if I manage to take them … & occasionally the Baltimore Orioles.
Reposted by Joshua Sharfstein
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott is taking a public health approach to reducing gun violence.
So far, the city has seen an unprecedented reduction in the number of homicides and other violent crimes. He discusses this progress on Public Health On Call 🎧
podcast.publichealth.jhu.edu/973-baltimor...
So far, the city has seen an unprecedented reduction in the number of homicides and other violent crimes. He discusses this progress on Public Health On Call 🎧
podcast.publichealth.jhu.edu/973-baltimor...
November 7, 2025 at 8:09 PM
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott is taking a public health approach to reducing gun violence.
So far, the city has seen an unprecedented reduction in the number of homicides and other violent crimes. He discusses this progress on Public Health On Call 🎧
podcast.publichealth.jhu.edu/973-baltimor...
So far, the city has seen an unprecedented reduction in the number of homicides and other violent crimes. He discusses this progress on Public Health On Call 🎧
podcast.publichealth.jhu.edu/973-baltimor...
Reposted by Joshua Sharfstein
In a new Milbank Quarterly Opinion, @drjoshs.bsky.social questions the Trump administration’s use of the term “gold standard science” to justify recent public health policy decisions. He argues that the concept is being used to discredit established scientific processes and expert advisors.
What Could Be Wrong with "Gold Standard Science"? | Milbank Memorial Fund
If repetition is the mother of learning, then I am learning that the second Trump administration likes to use the term "gold standard science." It is the
www.milbank.org
November 5, 2025 at 3:43 PM
In a new Milbank Quarterly Opinion, @drjoshs.bsky.social questions the Trump administration’s use of the term “gold standard science” to justify recent public health policy decisions. He argues that the concept is being used to discredit established scientific processes and expert advisors.
What's better than "gold standard science"?
Integrity in policymaking.
Some thoughts in The Milbank Quarterly.
www.milbank.org/quarterly/op...
Integrity in policymaking.
Some thoughts in The Milbank Quarterly.
www.milbank.org/quarterly/op...
October 30, 2025 at 8:51 PM
What's better than "gold standard science"?
Integrity in policymaking.
Some thoughts in The Milbank Quarterly.
www.milbank.org/quarterly/op...
Integrity in policymaking.
Some thoughts in The Milbank Quarterly.
www.milbank.org/quarterly/op...
Reposted by Joshua Sharfstein
What to make of the Trump administration's new policy on IVF?
This @publichealthpod.bsky.social episode w/ @drjoshs.bsky.social is a great explainer podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/p...
This @publichealthpod.bsky.social episode w/ @drjoshs.bsky.social is a great explainer podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/p...
969 - Access to In Vitro Fertilization, 2025
Podcast Episode · Public Health On Call · 10/29/2025 · 17m
podcasts.apple.com
October 30, 2025 at 7:50 PM
What to make of the Trump administration's new policy on IVF?
This @publichealthpod.bsky.social episode w/ @drjoshs.bsky.social is a great explainer podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/p...
This @publichealthpod.bsky.social episode w/ @drjoshs.bsky.social is a great explainer podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/p...
Reposted by Joshua Sharfstein
Public Health On Call has won two Signal Awards 🎉
🥈"The Fight for a Swimmable Harbor in Baltimore" in the Science & Education category for Individual Episodes
🥉Our Vaccines 101 series in the Science & Education category for Limited Series and Specials
🔗 tinyurl.com/yd6mpama
🔗 tinyurl.com/2c2thask
🥈"The Fight for a Swimmable Harbor in Baltimore" in the Science & Education category for Individual Episodes
🥉Our Vaccines 101 series in the Science & Education category for Limited Series and Specials
🔗 tinyurl.com/yd6mpama
🔗 tinyurl.com/2c2thask
October 28, 2025 at 2:14 PM
Public Health On Call has won two Signal Awards 🎉
🥈"The Fight for a Swimmable Harbor in Baltimore" in the Science & Education category for Individual Episodes
🥉Our Vaccines 101 series in the Science & Education category for Limited Series and Specials
🔗 tinyurl.com/yd6mpama
🔗 tinyurl.com/2c2thask
🥈"The Fight for a Swimmable Harbor in Baltimore" in the Science & Education category for Individual Episodes
🥉Our Vaccines 101 series in the Science & Education category for Limited Series and Specials
🔗 tinyurl.com/yd6mpama
🔗 tinyurl.com/2c2thask
Reposted by Joshua Sharfstein
There’s a lot of confusion about how much ACA premiums are going up and what it means. That will likely continue this week as window shopping is expected to begin in the federal ACA marketplace. I’ll try to clear things up.
October 27, 2025 at 2:38 PM
There’s a lot of confusion about how much ACA premiums are going up and what it means. That will likely continue this week as window shopping is expected to begin in the federal ACA marketplace. I’ll try to clear things up.
Reposted by Joshua Sharfstein
The nation's second-largest measles outbreak this year is spreading beyond its epicenter along the Utah-Arizona border.
Measles spreading beyond the center of the Utah-Arizona outbreak
Cases are now popping up in more touristy areas of Utah, according to a health official.
nbcnews.to
October 24, 2025 at 10:00 PM
The nation's second-largest measles outbreak this year is spreading beyond its epicenter along the Utah-Arizona border.
Reposted by Joshua Sharfstein
Public Health On Call will soon release our 1,000th episode—and you can join the celebration 🎉
Submit questions for our hosts by October 31 for the opportunity to hear your voice on the podcast.
🎙️Email voice memos to PublicHealthQuestion@jhu.edu.
Submit questions for our hosts by October 31 for the opportunity to hear your voice on the podcast.
🎙️Email voice memos to PublicHealthQuestion@jhu.edu.
October 17, 2025 at 3:45 PM
Public Health On Call will soon release our 1,000th episode—and you can join the celebration 🎉
Submit questions for our hosts by October 31 for the opportunity to hear your voice on the podcast.
🎙️Email voice memos to PublicHealthQuestion@jhu.edu.
Submit questions for our hosts by October 31 for the opportunity to hear your voice on the podcast.
🎙️Email voice memos to PublicHealthQuestion@jhu.edu.
Reposted by Joshua Sharfstein
NEW: AP investigation finds over 420 anti-science bills attacking longstanding public health protections have been introduced in statehouses across the US this year, part of an organized, politically savvy campaign to enshrine a conspiracy theory-driven agenda into law. w/ @lauraungar.bsky.social
Anti-science bills hit statehouses, stripping away public health protections built over a century
More than 420 anti-science bills attacking longstanding public health protections – vaccines, milk safety and fluoride – have been introduced in statehouses across the U.S. this year.
apnews.com
October 21, 2025 at 5:53 PM
NEW: AP investigation finds over 420 anti-science bills attacking longstanding public health protections have been introduced in statehouses across the US this year, part of an organized, politically savvy campaign to enshrine a conspiracy theory-driven agenda into law. w/ @lauraungar.bsky.social
CDC is the nation's leading public health agency, but it's been a very tough few months for those who work there.
An interview with Yolanda Jacobs, AFGE chapter president.
johnshopkinssph.libsyn.com/966-cdc-is-a...
@publichealthpod.bsky.social
An interview with Yolanda Jacobs, AFGE chapter president.
johnshopkinssph.libsyn.com/966-cdc-is-a...
@publichealthpod.bsky.social
Public Health On Call: 966 - “CDC is a horrible place to be at this time”
About this episode: Following months of personnel cuts, funding terminations, and escalating violence, CDC employees face a new hurdle with the government shutdown. In this episode: Yolanda Jacobs, pr...
johnshopkinssph.libsyn.com
October 22, 2025 at 11:33 AM
CDC is the nation's leading public health agency, but it's been a very tough few months for those who work there.
An interview with Yolanda Jacobs, AFGE chapter president.
johnshopkinssph.libsyn.com/966-cdc-is-a...
@publichealthpod.bsky.social
An interview with Yolanda Jacobs, AFGE chapter president.
johnshopkinssph.libsyn.com/966-cdc-is-a...
@publichealthpod.bsky.social
Reposted by Joshua Sharfstein
Apprenticeships can be a useful public health intervention.
Maryland State Senator Cory McCray opens up about his own apprenticeship experience and how earn-while-you-learn opportunities can transform young people’s lives.
podcast.publichealth.jhu.edu/959-the-appr...
Maryland State Senator Cory McCray opens up about his own apprenticeship experience and how earn-while-you-learn opportunities can transform young people’s lives.
podcast.publichealth.jhu.edu/959-the-appr...
October 7, 2025 at 12:24 PM
Apprenticeships can be a useful public health intervention.
Maryland State Senator Cory McCray opens up about his own apprenticeship experience and how earn-while-you-learn opportunities can transform young people’s lives.
podcast.publichealth.jhu.edu/959-the-appr...
Maryland State Senator Cory McCray opens up about his own apprenticeship experience and how earn-while-you-learn opportunities can transform young people’s lives.
podcast.publichealth.jhu.edu/959-the-appr...
Reposted by Joshua Sharfstein
A recent executive order on homelessness focuses on “ending crime and disorder on America’s streets.”
@annymoliva.bsky.social of @naehomelessness.bsky.social discusses what this means for unhoused people and proven strategies for reducing homelessness.
podcast.publichealth.jhu.edu/958-the-exec...
@annymoliva.bsky.social of @naehomelessness.bsky.social discusses what this means for unhoused people and proven strategies for reducing homelessness.
podcast.publichealth.jhu.edu/958-the-exec...
October 6, 2025 at 12:44 PM
A recent executive order on homelessness focuses on “ending crime and disorder on America’s streets.”
@annymoliva.bsky.social of @naehomelessness.bsky.social discusses what this means for unhoused people and proven strategies for reducing homelessness.
podcast.publichealth.jhu.edu/958-the-exec...
@annymoliva.bsky.social of @naehomelessness.bsky.social discusses what this means for unhoused people and proven strategies for reducing homelessness.
podcast.publichealth.jhu.edu/958-the-exec...
Reposted by Joshua Sharfstein
Does taking Tylenol during pregnancy cause autism in children?
@bklee.bsky.social and @lizstuart.bsky.social break down the science of causality on Public Health On Call 🎧 podcast.publichealth.jhu.edu/953-interpre...
@bklee.bsky.social and @lizstuart.bsky.social break down the science of causality on Public Health On Call 🎧 podcast.publichealth.jhu.edu/953-interpre...
September 29, 2025 at 7:13 PM
Does taking Tylenol during pregnancy cause autism in children?
@bklee.bsky.social and @lizstuart.bsky.social break down the science of causality on Public Health On Call 🎧 podcast.publichealth.jhu.edu/953-interpre...
@bklee.bsky.social and @lizstuart.bsky.social break down the science of causality on Public Health On Call 🎧 podcast.publichealth.jhu.edu/953-interpre...
Reposted by Joshua Sharfstein
Last week, Dr. Debra Houry was testifying before Congress. This week, she’s talking with @drjoshs.bsky.social on Public Health On Call.
Dr. Houry reflects on her time at the CDC, how the agency has changed, and her “heartbreaking” decision to leave.
podcast.publichealth.jhu.edu/951-dr-debra...
Dr. Houry reflects on her time at the CDC, how the agency has changed, and her “heartbreaking” decision to leave.
podcast.publichealth.jhu.edu/951-dr-debra...
September 25, 2025 at 12:36 PM
Last week, Dr. Debra Houry was testifying before Congress. This week, she’s talking with @drjoshs.bsky.social on Public Health On Call.
Dr. Houry reflects on her time at the CDC, how the agency has changed, and her “heartbreaking” decision to leave.
podcast.publichealth.jhu.edu/951-dr-debra...
Dr. Houry reflects on her time at the CDC, how the agency has changed, and her “heartbreaking” decision to leave.
podcast.publichealth.jhu.edu/951-dr-debra...
Reposted by Joshua Sharfstein
Measles infections in the US have reached 1,514 this year, as outbreaks continue to spread and routine childhood vaccinations fall.
US Measles Cases Hit 1,514 on Fresh Outbreaks in Utah, Arizona
Measles infections in the US have reached 1,514 this year, as outbreaks continue to spread and routine childhood vaccinations fall.
bloom.bg
September 24, 2025 at 4:52 PM
Measles infections in the US have reached 1,514 this year, as outbreaks continue to spread and routine childhood vaccinations fall.
Insurers to maintain vaccine coverage: www.ahip.org/news/press-r...
AHIP Statement on Vaccine Coverage
AHIP is the national association whose members provide health care coverage, services, and solutions to hundreds of millions of Americans every day. We…
www.ahip.org
September 17, 2025 at 9:57 AM
Insurers to maintain vaccine coverage: www.ahip.org/news/press-r...
Reposted by Joshua Sharfstein
Death from sub-acute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) in a child in Los Angeles
SSPE is a rare sequel of #measles infection that appears years after the initial infection, and is uniformly fatal. So sorry for this family. As things are going on the US, we'll be seeing more of these cases.
SSPE is a rare sequel of #measles infection that appears years after the initial infection, and is uniformly fatal. So sorry for this family. As things are going on the US, we'll be seeing more of these cases.
Child dies from rare measles-related complication, LA County health officials say
Health officials reported the death of a Los Angeles County child from a complication of measles infection acquired during infancy.
abc7.com
September 11, 2025 at 8:54 PM
Death from sub-acute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) in a child in Los Angeles
SSPE is a rare sequel of #measles infection that appears years after the initial infection, and is uniformly fatal. So sorry for this family. As things are going on the US, we'll be seeing more of these cases.
SSPE is a rare sequel of #measles infection that appears years after the initial infection, and is uniformly fatal. So sorry for this family. As things are going on the US, we'll be seeing more of these cases.
Reposted by Joshua Sharfstein
As students in grades 6-12 start school, I hope some of them are thinking about their National History Day projects. Here are some suggestions for making a compelling project. 🗃️
historyprofessor.org/miscellaneou...
historyprofessor.org/miscellaneou...
Some unofficial advice from a longtime National History Day judge
Since the year 2000, I have judged National History Day (NHD) district-level events—mostly in the documentary category—in Washington, DC; New York; and Virginia, and the national finals in College …
historyprofessor.org
September 1, 2025 at 3:52 PM
As students in grades 6-12 start school, I hope some of them are thinking about their National History Day projects. Here are some suggestions for making a compelling project. 🗃️
historyprofessor.org/miscellaneou...
historyprofessor.org/miscellaneou...
Just received an advance copy of our new book *Information Sick*—
Coming in October.
As timely as ever.
Coming in October.
As timely as ever.
August 30, 2025 at 5:05 PM
Just received an advance copy of our new book *Information Sick*—
Coming in October.
As timely as ever.
Coming in October.
As timely as ever.
Reposted by Joshua Sharfstein
#ThrowbackThursday: In 1980 the 🌍🌎🌏 was declared #smallpox free, thanks to mass vaccination efforts.
Smallpox was an acute contagious disease caused by the variola virus. It was one of the most devastating diseases known to humanity. #VaccinesWork
Smallpox was an acute contagious disease caused by the variola virus. It was one of the most devastating diseases known to humanity. #VaccinesWork
August 28, 2025 at 9:17 AM
#ThrowbackThursday: In 1980 the 🌍🌎🌏 was declared #smallpox free, thanks to mass vaccination efforts.
Smallpox was an acute contagious disease caused by the variola virus. It was one of the most devastating diseases known to humanity. #VaccinesWork
Smallpox was an acute contagious disease caused by the variola virus. It was one of the most devastating diseases known to humanity. #VaccinesWork
I am horrified by gunshots at the CDC. It’s time for everyone to support this critical agency and the amazing people who work there.
August 9, 2025 at 3:39 PM
I am horrified by gunshots at the CDC. It’s time for everyone to support this critical agency and the amazing people who work there.
Is vaccine policy a chance for a do-over for public health organizations stung by accusations of not listening enough during the pandemic?
I think so. My thoughts in @jamahealthforum.com
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
I think so. My thoughts in @jamahealthforum.com
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
The Value of Engagement and Transparency in Public Health Policymaking
This JAMA Forum discusses the importance of engagement and transparency in public health policy in the context of the US response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent dismissal of the Advisory Comm...
jamanetwork.com
August 8, 2025 at 12:09 PM
Is vaccine policy a chance for a do-over for public health organizations stung by accusations of not listening enough during the pandemic?
I think so. My thoughts in @jamahealthforum.com
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
I think so. My thoughts in @jamahealthforum.com
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
Thank you to Demi for such a powerful interview and such impressive advocacy for people with disabilities.
We are so fortunate she will be a doctoral student at @johnshopkinssph.bsky.social this fall.
We are so fortunate she will be a doctoral student at @johnshopkinssph.bsky.social this fall.
Medicaid cuts are raising fears among Americans with disabilities who rely on the program for services that allow them to live independently.
Demi Eckhoff, who has a rare form of muscular dystrophy, shares what people with disabilities are doing to advocate for themselves.
youtu.be/eA3nvZrKDlQ?...
Demi Eckhoff, who has a rare form of muscular dystrophy, shares what people with disabilities are doing to advocate for themselves.
youtu.be/eA3nvZrKDlQ?...
A Disability Advocate Speaks Out on Medicaid Cuts | Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
Americans with disabilities fear the loss of essential health care services following the largest funding cut in Medicaid history.
publichealth.jhu.edu
August 1, 2025 at 10:55 PM
Thank you to Demi for such a powerful interview and such impressive advocacy for people with disabilities.
We are so fortunate she will be a doctoral student at @johnshopkinssph.bsky.social this fall.
We are so fortunate she will be a doctoral student at @johnshopkinssph.bsky.social this fall.
Reposted by Joshua Sharfstein
Health officials in Kent County, Michigan, announced on Wednesday that two more measles cases were detected, bringing the total to four in the county.
Health officials confirm two more measles cases in Kent County, Michigan
Health officials in Kent County, Michigan, announced on Wednesday that two more measles cases were detected, bringing the total to four in the county.
www.cbsnews.com
July 24, 2025 at 2:00 AM
Health officials in Kent County, Michigan, announced on Wednesday that two more measles cases were detected, bringing the total to four in the county.
Reposted by Joshua Sharfstein
New from @brookings.edu -- honored to collaborate with @reginalabelle.bsky.social on a look at current substance use policy issues:
www.brookings.edu/articles/pro...
www.brookings.edu/articles/pro...
Progress under threat: The future of overdose prevention in the United States | Brookings
Overdose prevention stands at an important crossroads as the Trump administration and Congress propose and implement policies that endanger recent progress.
www.brookings.edu
July 22, 2025 at 11:58 PM
New from @brookings.edu -- honored to collaborate with @reginalabelle.bsky.social on a look at current substance use policy issues:
www.brookings.edu/articles/pro...
www.brookings.edu/articles/pro...