S9, Ep 20- Fall Virus Season: What to Expect

As fall approaches, flu and COVID-19 are once again moving to the forefront of public health. In this episode of The Health Advocates, Steven Newmark looks at what the Southern Hemisphere’s flu season may tell us about the months ahead, how this year’s flu vaccine has been updated, and when people …

S9, Ep 19- Inside UNGA Week: What Global Health Leaders Are Talking About

Each September, the United Nations General Assembly, or UNGA, brings together policymakers, scientists, advocates, researchers, and health leaders from around the world. In this episode of The Health Advocates, Steven Newmark shares why participating in UNGA Week offers such a valuable opportunity …

S9, Ep 18- The Midterms Are Coming, and Health Care Is on the Ballot

The 2026 midterm elections are approaching, and control of Congress could significantly shape health policy during the final two years of President Trump’s administration. In this episode of The Health Advocates, Steven Newmark explains why patients should pay attention, including the differences b…

S9, Ep 17- Vaccines by Executive Order: What Changed, What Didn't, and What Families Need to Know

President Trump’s new executive order on childhood vaccines has created fresh questions about what is changing, what is not, and what families should do now. In this episode of The Health Advocates, Steven Newmark breaks down the order’s major provisions, including proposals to reduce the number o…

S9, Ep 16- When Public Health Warning Lights Start Flashing

Public health threats often seem unrelated until we examine the systems that connect them. In this episode of The Health Advocates, Steven Newmark discusses the record-breaking rise in U.S. measles cases, recent foodborne illness outbreaks, changing COVID-19 activity, and the health risks associate…

S9, Ep 15- COVID-19 Isn't Over for Everyone: Why FDA's Next Decision Matters for Immunocompromised Patients

The COVID-19 public health emergency may be over, but for millions of Americans with weakened immune systems, the virus remains a serious concern. In this episode of The Health Advocates, Steven Newmark breaks down a recent announcement from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to phas…

S9, Ep 14- How America Learned to Live Longer: 250 Years of U.S. Health Policy

As the United States celebrates its 250th birthday, The Health Advocates takes a look at a different kind of American history, the story of our nation's fight against disease and the policies that have shaped the health of millions. Host Steven Newmark traces 250 years of U.S. health policy, begin…

S9, Ep 13- What Patients Need to Know: Research, Innovation, and the Patient Voice At EULAR 2026

What happens at one of the world's largest rheumatology conferences, and why should patients care? In this special episode of The Health Advocates, Steven Newmark is joined by Dr. Shilpa Venkatachalam, Director of Patient-Centered Research at the Global Healthy Living Foundation (GHLF), to discuss…

S9, Ep 12- What’s Coming For Rheumatology: Why Conferences Like EULAR Matter for Patients

What actually happens at a major international medical conference — and why should patients care? In this episode of The Health Advocates, Steven Newmark reports from EULAR 2026 in London, one of the world’s largest rheumatology conferences, to explain how meetings like this help shape the future …

S9, Ep 11- Inside the Growing Fight Over Vaccine Science

Something bigger than a single vaccine debate is unfolding inside America’s public health system. In this episode of The Health Advocates, Steven Newmark explores the growing tension surrounding vaccine policy, scientific transparency, and public trust. From the FDA’s decision not to review a new …