Georgia Today Podcast

Episode Date: October 14, 2025
Host: Peter Biello, Georgia Public Broadcasting
Main Topics: CDC Layoffs, Government Shutdown's Impact on Georgia Tech, Hospitals Using AI, Vaccine Conversations

Episode Overview

This episode of Georgia Today delivers important updates impacting Georgia’s public health, education, and technology sectors. Key stories include major layoffs at the CDC, the effects of the federal government shutdown on Georgia Tech, innovative AI use in healthcare to reduce staff burnout, and the ongoing vaccine conversation between pediatricians and parents in Georgia. The episode also touches on notable community and sports news.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. CDC Layoffs and Workplace Uncertainty

[00:49-01:37]

• Story: The CDC in Atlanta experienced another large round of layoffs, with approximately 600 employees let go—the third major layoff since January.

• Sarah Kallis reports on the impact, including accounts from employees caught in cycles of termination notices and brief rehiring.

  Dr. Brittney Lord (CDC Employee, quoted):
  "At this point, it seems like the chaos and lack of transparency is the point. It's been a long 10 months as a federal employee, but we will continue to fight back for the good of our nation and America's public health."
  (01:26)

• Context: The dismissals have caused confusion and frustration, with last-minute rescinding of termination notices furthering a sense of instability within the CDC.

2. Government Shutdown’s Ripple Effect on Georgia Tech

[03:52-04:14]

• Story: The ongoing federal government shutdown poses a significant threat to operations at Georgia Tech, particularly federally funded research.
• Georgia Tech risks revenue losses exceeding $100 million per month and hints at impending spending slowdowns, including:
  • Freezes on new hiring
  • Major contract delays
  • Reductions in non-personnel spending if the impasse persists

3. AI in Healthcare to Battle Staff Burnout

[03:07-03:52]

• Story: The Northeast Georgia Health System is adopting Ambient AI—a Microsoft-powered tool that transcribes doctor-patient checkups and automates electronic health record updates.

• Use of AI is optional but gaining traction, freeing clinicians from paperwork and supporting conversational care.

  Dr. Matt Zimme, Chief Medical Informatics Officer:
  "It's a far cry from pen and paper, but it helps doctors save time and keep checkups conversational."
  (03:19)

  Sophie Gradas (Reporter):
  "We like to fill the tool belt up with all the tools and then, you know, you're free to choose. But we see lots and lots of people now choosing this."
  (03:33)

• Broader Trend: Other Georgia hospital systems like Piedmont and WellStar are exploring similar AI deployments, including facial recognition and virtual nursing.

4. Pediatricians and Parents Navigate Vaccine Hesitancy

[05:02-08:50]

• Story: Pediatricians in Georgia, especially in rural clinics, encounter rising vaccine hesitancy among parents—a trend amplified since COVID-19.

• Approach: Pediatricians favor patience and relationship-building over confrontation when discussing immunizations.

  Dr. Brittney Lord (Eastman Pediatric Clinic):
  "People used to get polio and not be able to walk, get paralyzed. That's where we have that conversation. Why are you afraid of vaccines? Why are you hesitant of it? What is it? And then that's where we can engage in the conversation."
  (05:27)

  "I can't just shut them down and say, you're wrong."
  (06:29)

  "We can do all we can to help prevent as much as we can. That's what matters."
  (08:09)

• Expert Insight:

  Robert Bednarchik, Emory University:
  "Being able to have that open conversation is one of the best steps that we can have towards coming to better decision making around vaccines."
  (06:57)

• Local stories and lived experience (e.g., seeing cases of whooping cough) underscore the importance and emotional impact of such work.

  Dr. Grace Davis (Sylvester Pediatrics):
  "This is gonna be an ongoing conversation. Cause we're not gonna stop talking."
  (07:40)

5. Other Community and Sports Highlights

• Hartsfield-Jackson Airport refuses to display a DHS video deemed politically charged, maintaining a neutral environment for travelers.
  (01:53)
• Columbus Mayoral Race: Former city manager Isaiah Hughley enters the race, seeking to become the city's first Black mayor.
  (02:22)
• Synovus Securities Fined: $315,000 penalty for electronic forgery and falsified signatures.
  (04:39)
• Sports:
  • Remembering Sandy Alomar, Sr., former Braves player and mentor.
    (09:14)
  • Atlanta Falcons defeat Buffalo Bills, with standout player Bijan Robinson.
    (09:37)
  • Heartwarming Roswell High School homecoming gesture: quarterback Trey Smith crowns friend Jake Jeffries, a senior with Down syndrome, as homecoming king.
    (10:09)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On CDC Layoffs:
  "It seems like the chaos and lack of transparency is the point." — Dr. Brittney Lord, 01:26

• On Vaccine Conversation:
  "I can't just shut them down and say, you're wrong." — Dr. Brittney Lord, 06:29
  "Being able to have that open conversation is one of the best steps that we can have towards coming to better decision making around vaccines." — Robert Bednarchik, 06:57
  "That I will never forget. And I still kind of get upset about it." (on whooping cough case) — Dr. Brittney Lord, 08:09

• On AI in Healthcare:
  "It's a far cry from pen and paper, but it helps doctors save time and keep checkups conversational." — Dr. Matt Zimme, 03:19

Timestamps for Key Segments

• CDC Layoffs: 00:49–01:37
• AI in Healthcare: 03:07–03:52
• Government Shutdown & Georgia Tech: 03:52–04:14
• Vaccine Hesitancy and Pediatricians: 05:02–08:50
• Community and Sports News: 09:14–10:52

Episode Tone

The podcast features Georgia Public Broadcasting’s signature blend of straightforward, in-depth reporting with a focus on practical impact and community voices. The tone remains calm and empathetic, particularly during interviews with healthcare professionals, balancing urgency on public health matters with hope and determination drawn from local stories.

This summary should provide listeners with a detailed yet digestible account of the critical issues and stories covered in this Georgia Today episode, along with memorable moments and expert perspectives.