Podcast
ID4U - Infectious Disease Podcasts for Users of the CMES program
Hosted by Jessica Pelletier · EN
Techies Without Borders (TWB) is a non-profit organization that aims to deliver high-quality CME to low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) where there are significant cost and internet access barriers for clinicians to stay up-to-date. Our program is currently established in 19 countries, serving 13,000 doctors who care for more than 20+ million patients. Our primary content delivery method is via the Continuing Medical Education Solutions (CMES) and CMES-Pi, a small computer at each site that automatically downloads content from our cloud-based server each month. The content includes podcasts and written summaries from Emergency Medicine Reviews and Perspectives (EM:RAP-GO), emDocs.net, Don’t Forget the Bubbles, and the World Health Organization (WHO), Life in the Fast Lane, and EM Cases. There is also point-of-care ultrasound content donated by Alfred Health and emergency medical services (EMS) content donated by the MCHD Paramedic Podcast. The CME material is geared toward EM, but all specialties will find useful content. New content for other specialists is being added. We are also able to upload local CME materials. The content from the Pi can be transferred to an app so that users can access material remotely without the need for the internet. You can learn more about our initiatives here:
https://techieswithoutborders.us/
One resounding theme of user feedback that there is not enough ID content on our server relevant to LMIC. IDs are the most common causes of death in these parts of the world. There is also a disparity in publication and scholarship among authors in the “global North” compared with the “global South.” In response to these perceived needs, we have developed an ID podcast mini series consisting of interviews with CMES participants in areas of their expertise. These podcasts are uploaded to the CMES audience before being made available to the pubvlic.
The dual purpose of this podcast is to tailor the content on the CMES server to the needs of our users and to provide digital scholarship opportunities for our partners in the global South.
Please note that generative AI is used to assist in formulating podcast scripts. The authors take full responsibility for the content of this podcast series.
25episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
ID4U Episode 27 Lassa Fever
2d ago00:22:03Tap to summarizeDr. Jessica Pelletier and Dr. Sabel Bass co-interview Dr. Valentine Aroh, discussing the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic workup, management, and prevention of Lassa fever.Take-Home Points:Lassa fever is a viral hemorrhagic fever endemic to West Africa.Rats are the primary animal reservoir and are becoming more of an issue as dry seasons lengthen in the face of climate change.Mortality rates vary widely due to underreporting; many cases are asymptomatic, but among the symptomatic, mortality is quite high.Pregnant women are at extremely high risk for severe disease and death.Lassa can resemble other endemic viral illnesses and hemorrhagic fevers, but facial swelling is a distinctive feature.RT-PCR is the gold standard for diagnosis.Treatment is largely symptomatic, but Ribavirin can be tried in the first 6 days of symptoms.Contact and droplet precautions are essential to prevent the spread of disease.Image attribution: generated with Adobe FireflyEpisode sound attributions:More jazz guitar: more Jazz guitar.wav by Sub-d: https://freesound.org/s/49658/ -- License: Creative Commons 0Ragtime Logo Standard Version: https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/ragtime-logo-standard-version-116100/Counting to 20: Creative Commons 0: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/airplane_stereo_flyby_05.wav by Izmotion -- https://freesound.org/s/623159/ -- License: Creative Commons 0cough9.aiff by Fratz -- https://freesound.org/s/19124/ -- License: Attribution 4.0vomit sound effect.wav by KirbyTheSoundingMan -- https://freesound.org/s/672378/ -- License: Creative Commons 0Toilets at Mount McIntyre Recreation Centre- Main Floor by SoundsLikeYukon -- https://freesound.org/s/852220/ -- License: Creative Commons 0Cat Smokey Meow 1 by redjamie7 -- https://freesound.org/s/729031/ -- License: Attribution 4.0
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ID4U Episode 26 Vaccine Hesitancy Part 1
2w ago00:17:59Tap to summarizeDr. Jessica Pelletier and Dr. Nicholas Maxwell discuss two re-emerging diseases in the era of the rising phenomenon of vaccine hesitancy: measles and mumps. They cover vaccine safety for preventing both diseases, followed by the clinical presentation, diagnosis, management, and close-contact protection measures for measles and mumps. The episode closes with a discussion of how to talk to families about vaccines.Take-Home Points:We are seeing a resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases; this is multifactorial, but some of it has to do with the pandemic, global conflict, and misinformation.Though there are several formulations and the dosing schedule for measles plus or minus mumps vaccine may vary from country to country, these vaccines are highly safe and effective in the prevention of these diseases.It is our responsibility as healthcare providers to educate our patients and their families about vaccine safety, finding ways to connect with them without judgment.You can view the full show notes and references here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1biOevjeGk8eVeAeBEWNEchfoJuRWzPbfIKP63cmSEjo/edit?usp=sharingImage attribution: generated with Adobe FireflyEpisode sound attributions:More jazz guitar: more Jazz guitar.wav by Sub-d: https://freesound.org/s/49658/ -- License: Creative Commons 0Ragtime Logo Standard Version: https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/ragtime-logo-standard-version-116100/Counting to 20: Creative Commons 0: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/chime.wav by hypocore -- https://freesound.org/s/164088/ -- License: Creative Commons 0Tape Rewind #1 by Hajisounds: https://freesound.org/s/679970/ -- License: Creative Commons 0cha ching.wav by creek23 -- https://freesound.org/s/75235/ -- License: Attribution NonCommercial 4.0Open_03.WAV by kjackson -- https://freesound.org/s/32634/ -- License: Attribution NonCommercial 3.0Single Coin Return.wav by tweeterdj -- https://freesound.org/s/29649/ -- License: Attribution 3.0Ambulance_Traffic_Mic on top of car.WAV by deleted_user_6718832 -- https://freesound.org/s/365254/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
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ID4U Episode 25 Rabies
May 100:21:24Tap to summarizeDr. Jessica Pelletier, Dr. John George Johnson, Dr. Akan Otu, and Dr. Bri Bennett discuss the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic workup, management, and prevention of rabies.Take-Home Points:Rabies is an encephalomyelitis that occurs after inoculation from infected saliva.Many countries have successfully eradicated this disease, but 59,000 people still die of the disease yearly.Canine vaccination programs, PREP for high-risk individuals, and PEP after potential rabies exposure prevent disease.Initial symptoms are flu-like and non-specific. Once symptoms have started, all we can offer is supportive care.You can view the full show notes and references here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1cagKcATrYkKi1M3DL4wgjThpFIlqeG4Ai1U1aOHv1vQ/edit?usp=sharingImage attribution: generated with Adobe FireflyEpisode sound attributions:More jazz guitar: more Jazz guitar.wav by Sub-d: https://freesound.org/s/49658/ -- License: Creative Commons 0Ragtime Logo Standard Version: https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/ragtime-logo-standard-version-116100/Counting to 20: Creative Commons 0: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/Animal Dog Bark And Growl 01.wav by abhisheky948 -- https://freesound.org/s/625501/ -- License: Creative Commons 0cha ching.wav by creek23 -- https://freesound.org/s/75235/ -- License: Attribution NonCommercial 4.0Open_03.WAV by kjackson -- https://freesound.org/s/32634/ -- License: Attribution NonCommercial 3.0Single Coin Return.wav by tweeterdj -- https://freesound.org/s/29649/ -- License: Attribution 3.0TOONAnml-Blue Snowball Microphone, CU_Puppy Barking, Human Imitation, Cartoon_Nicholas Judy_TDC by designerschoice -- https://freesound.org/s/805052/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
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ID4U Episode 24 Cryptococcosis
Mar 2700:28:57Tap to summarizeDr. Jessica Pelletier and Dr. Mulungi Jonathan discuss the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic workup, management, and prevention of cryptococcosis.Take-Home Points:Cryptococcus is deadly and demands early recognition.Most global burden is in Sub‑Saharan Africa.Crypto isn’t just an HIV disease.CNS and lungs are the most commonly affected organs.CrAg LFA is the best diagnostic tool in resource‑limited settings.Elevated intracranial pressure is the major killer.Positive pulmonary crypto requires a lumbar puncture - even without neuro symptoms.After managing the ABCDs, treatment = antifungals + ICP control + supportive care.You can view the full show notes and references here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/18JtGpSXAu3qCWntKqd5ALuLF-C0FkvlT0VQtKMAUsxE/edit?usp=sharingImage attribution: generated with Adobe FireflyEpisode sound attributions:More jazz guitar: more Jazz guitar.wav by Sub-d: https://freesound.org/s/49658/ -- License: Creative Commons 0Ragtime Logo Standard Version: https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/ragtime-logo-standard-version-116100/
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ID4U Episode 23 Snake Envenomation
Feb 2800:33:14Tap to summarizeDr. Bri Bennett, Dr. Kakande Reagan, and Dr. Jessica Pelletier discuss the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic workup, management, and prevention of snake envenomation - a neglected tropical disease.Take-Home Points:Snakebites cause major global death and disability, especially in LMICs.Most dangerous bites come from vipers and elapids.Venom effects fall into three categories: cytotoxic, hemotoxic, and neurotoxic.Diagnosis is clinical; 20WBCT helps assess coagulopathy.Antivenom is the only specific treatment—give early when indicated.Avoid harmful first aid (tourniquets, cutting, sucking).Immobilize the limb and seek urgent medical care.Supportive care (airway, fluids, monitoring) saves lives.Do not perform fasciotomy.Encourage rehab and follow‑up to prevent long‑term disability.You can view the full show notes and references here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HJ-Mo-3rOZzSr_wVGHn3y0FKq5pSZGWJ1E0Iaf5aMjQ/edit?usp=sharingImage attribution: generated with Microsoft Copilot using open-access image (it was published prior to July 2017 under the Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication license) - https://pixabay.com/Episode sound attributions:Counting to 20: Creative Commons 0: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/More jazz guitar: more Jazz guitar.wav by Sub-d: https://freesound.org/s/49658/ -- License: Creative Commons 0Ragtime Logo Standard Version: https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/ragtime-logo-standard-version-116100/Primitive Snake Charmer Melody by simonjsounds -- https://freesound.org/s/260873/ -- License: Creative Commons 0Snake.wav by Julian_Eftei -- https://freesound.org/s/553366/ -- License: Attribution 4.0Cocktail Sounds.wav by KenRT -- https://freesound.org/s/319994/ -- License: Creative Commons 0Ambulance_Traffic_Mic on top of car.WAV by deleted_user_6718832 -- https://freesound.org/s/365254/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
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ID4U Episode 22 Chromoblastomycosis
Jan 1900:17:15Tap to summarizeDr. Jessica Pelletier and Dr. Mulungi Jonathan discuss the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic workup, management, and prevention of chromoblastomycosis.Take-Home Points:CBM is a NTD that disproportionately impacts males who work outdoors in tropical climates.Infection occurs via direct innoculation, and the disease progression is slow.Early intervention is critical for preventing morbidity, and usually involves surgical removal of the lesions when they are small. Larger lesions generally require a combination of prolonged antifungals and cryotherapy.Prevention of serious disease involves keeping covered when working outdoors in warm climates, maintaining good hygiene, and early presentation to care.You can view the full show notes and references here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jcLOOniP5LvClXT7HW1ozs-SiEah2k5SXUf0Z_eAhys/edit?usp=sharingImage attribution: generated with Adobe FireflyEpisode sound attributions:Counting to 20: Creative Commons 0: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/More jazz guitar: more Jazz guitar.wav by Sub-d: https://freesound.org/s/49658/ -- License: Creative Commons 0Ragtime Logo Standard Version: https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/ragtime-logo-standard-version-116100/Audience laughing by Soundeffects4You -- https://freesound.org/s/231258/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
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ID4U Episode 21 Schistosomiasis
Dec 2300:25:12Tap to summarizeDr. Jessica Pelletier, Dr. Daniela Fusco, and Dr. Rivonirina Andry Rakotoarivelo discuss the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic workup, management, and prevention of schistosomiasis.Take-Home Points:Schistosomiasis is a parasitic infection with trematode worms that can cause chronic intestinal or genitourinary disease if untreatedThe gold standard diagnostic test is direct visualization of the parasites in stool or urine using special microscopy methods. A urine RDT exists but isn’t perfect, and other methods also have their drawbacksPrevention involves avoiding exposure to potentially contaminated freshwater, snail vector control, and PC with PZQMorbidity management remains a big problem for endemic countries that are advancing health services in order to mitigate the consequences of the diseaseYou can view the full show notes and references here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1B7nDeqlCR02GbkOn_J5IdIP-HlnAEFjOk6juNX_jLJQ/edit?usp=sharingImage attribution: generated with Adobe FireflyEpisode sound attributions:Counting to 20: Creative Commons 0: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/More jazz guitar: more Jazz guitar.wav by Sub-d: https://freesound.org/s/49658/ -- License: Creative Commons 0Ragtime Logo Standard Version: https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/ragtime-logo-standard-version-116100/Audience laughing by Soundeffects4You -- https://freesound.org/s/231258/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
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ID4U Episode 20 Chikungunya
Dec 100:23:24Tap to summarizeDr. Jessica Pelletier, John George Johnson, Dr. Akan Otu, Dr. Moses Kitakule, and Dr. Bri Bennett discuss the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic workup, management, and prevention of chikungunya virus disease.Take-Home Points:CHIKF is an alphavirus with low mortality but HIGH morbidity, often leading to chronic, debilitating arthritis.Severe disease primarily affects high-risk subgroups, such as those at the extremes of age and with chronic comorbid diseases.Dengue can present similarly in the initial phases and must be ruled out in order to guide appropriate management.Paracetamol is a safe option until dengue is excluded; at that point, it is appropriate to transition to NSAIDs.Laboratory diagnostics are essential and depend on the timing of illness.Prevention involves aggressive vector control, preventing mosquito bites, and vaccination in at-risk populations.You can view the full show notes and references here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Jayl1ihGGNGek0brDrynE_cET11DLfIl0oBxodQ3tcc/edit?usp=sharingImage attribution: generated with Adobe FireflyEpisode sound attributions:Counting to 20: Creative Commons 0: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/More jazz guitar: more Jazz guitar.wav by Sub-d: https://freesound.org/s/49658/ -- License: Creative Commons 0Ragtime Logo Standard Version: https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/ragtime-logo-standard-version-116100/Ambulance_Traffic_Mic on top of car.WAV by deleted_user_6718832 -- https://freesound.org/s/365254/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
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ID4U Episode 19 Loiasis ("African Eye Worm")
Oct 3000:23:15Tap to summarizeDr. Kakande Reagan, Dr. Bri Bennett, and Dr. Jessica Pelletier discuss the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic workup, management, and prevention of loiasis.Take-Home Points:Loa loa is a multi-system parasitic disease with potentially serious complications if untreated.Diagnosis requires diurnal blood smears or thick-drop methods, and Giemsa or H&E staining is necessary to diagnose the worms appropriately.Microfilarial load dictates the treatment strategy.There is a risk of life-threatening encephalopathy not only with ivermectin, but also with DEC, which is the first-line therapy for loiasis.Prevention involves avoiding Chrysops fly bites.Loiasis complicates MDA in areas with co-endemicity for onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis. Caution should be used with drug selection in co-endemic areas.You can view the full show notes and references here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1FFoxvW_quKvmRS2Rph09-azch8jb61aemniR8AOX8Ps/edit?usp=sharingImage attribution: Magne Flåten, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia CommonsEpisode sound attributions:Counting to 20: Creative Commons 0: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/More jazz guitar: more Jazz guitar.wav by Sub-d: https://freesound.org/s/49658/ -- License: Creative Commons 0Ragtime Logo Standard Version: https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/ragtime-logo-standard-version-116100/Bike bell 10.flac by cdrk -- https://freesound.org/s/495492/ -- License: Attribution 4.0
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ID4U Episode 18 Dengue ("Break Bone Fever")
Sep 2600:33:27Tap to summarizeDr. Stuart Allen, Dr. Jessica Pelletier, and Dr. Akan Otu discuss the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic workup, management, and prevention of dengue.Take-Home Points:Dengue is an arboviral disease transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquitoIt is an NTD with a huge global burden of diseaseThe majority of cases are self-limiting, but severe dengue infections can cause massive hemorrhage, shock, multiorgan failure, and deathThere is no cure for dengue; supportive care for critically ill patients involves IV fluid resuscitation, blood product transfusion for those with massive bleeding, vasopressors for shock that is not responsive to fluid or blood product administration, and management of organ failure sequelaeThere is only 1 vaccine for dengue prevention - Qdenga® (TAK-003) - and it is only recommended in children 6-16 years right nowOther vaccines are under developmentPreventing mosquito bites is key for disease preventionYou can view the full show notes and references here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1DpCmbj3TMztOuzdusmHZ4rqu9PaMkOX_m6wWBhgfWjg/edit?usp=sharingEpisode art attribution: Adobe FireflyEpisode sound attributions:Counting to 20: Creative Commons 0: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/More jazz guitar: more Jazz guitar.wav by Sub-d: https://freesound.org/s/49658/ -- License: Creative Commons 0Ragtime Logo Standard Version: https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/ragtime-logo-standard-version-116100/Ambulance_Traffic_Mic on top of car.WAV by deleted_user_6718832 -- https://freesound.org/s/365254/ -- License: Creative Commons 0Coos Baby 3 Various Ha AC032101 by gumballworld -- https://freesound.org/s/398553/ -- License: Attribution NonCommercial 4.0Baby Whines Cries Huf PE145601 by gumballworld -- https://freesound.org/s/398548/ -- License: Attribution NonCommercial 4.0dark emotions.wav by michellelindemann1 -- https://freesound.org/s/521597/ -- License: Attribution 4.0shocking 0N_31mi by Setuniman -- https://freesound.org/s/155349/ -- License: Attribution NonCommercial 4.0out-of-breath_woman_slow.wav by pekena_larva -- https://freesound.org/s/667286/ -- License: Attribution 4.0Tape Rewind #1 by Hajisounds: https://freesound.org/s/679970/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
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