Richard Besser on public health changes: ‘absolutely heartbreaking’

Former acting CDC director on MAHA, public health's future, and more

October 15, 2025 Check out STAT+

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Former acting CDC director on public health changes: 'absolutely heartbreaking' When Richard Besser — the president and CEO of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and former acting CDC director — was how he feels about the CDC under the Trump administration, he was frank. "It's absolutely heartbreaking," he said. On this episode of the "First Opinion Podcast," he discussed vaccine policy — Besser practiced as a pediatrician for more than 30 years — reaching out to conservative media, finding common ground with MAHA, the connection between democracy and health, and more. Listen Now Subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to never miss an episode Visit the archive to see past episodes

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