Dr. Eli Cahan: “Human beings are wired for stories.”
From Take as Directed by CSIS Global Health Policy Center | Center for Strategic and International Studies
May 4, 2026 · 40 min
About this episode
Dr. Eli Cahan discusses his dual role as a neonatologist and journalist, focusing on health issues like polio and anti-microbial resistance.
Dr. Eli Cahan explains how he evolved into both a neonatologist and an accomplished, intrepid journalist, inspired by the likes of Atul Gawande and shaped by experiences during the Covid-19 pandemic. It is a balancing act, rushing between fixed medical facilities and airplanes. “We get to bear witness.” His stories have covered anti-microbial resistance (AMR) among war fighters. An upcoming piece will cover the weakening of prevention and control over polio and the possibility of the reemergence of polio in America. With each, a focus is shaping opinion in Congress. Polio has become a major biosecurity issue and does indeed command attention in Congress and within the administration. The Pitt is fearless in exposing the problems people experience with American health care. At the same time, most health communications are frayed–what to do?
People in this episode
Guest: Dr. Eli Cahan
Topics covered
- healthcare
- journalism
- biosecurity
- polio
- Covid-19
- anti-microbial resistance
- Congress
Keywords
- neonatologist
- journalism
- Covid-19
- polio
- biosecurity
- Congress
- healthcare communication
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: CSIS Global Health Policy Center, Center for Strategic and International Studies
Products: anti-microbial resistance (AMR), polio, American health care
Places: America
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