Episode #409 Revolutionizing Public Health Surveillance, with Dr. Scott McNabb
- Laura Hollabaugh
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- Jun 17
- 4 min read
On This Episode Of The Public Health Epidemiology Conversations (PHEC) Podcast
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Dr. Scott JN McNabb as he takes us on a fascinating journey through his public health career — from the lab bench to leadership roles at the CDC and Emory University. Discover how mentorship fueled his passion for tackling some of the world’s toughest health challenges, including those in conflict zones. Dive deep into the cutting-edge world of public health surveillance and learn how innovative technologies like ethical AI are revolutionizing the way we collect and communicate vital health data. Dr. McNabb shares candid insights on overcoming communication hurdles and the exciting possibilities that come from integrating health systems and collaborating across disciplines. Whether you’re an epidemiologist, public health professional, or simply curious about how data shapes global health, this episode is packed with stories and ideas that will challenge and inspire you.
Meet Dr. Scott McNabb
Dr. Scott J. McNabb is a seasoned public health expert whose career spans local, national, and global arenas. Before joining the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as an Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) Officer in New Orleans, Louisiana, he began his career at the Oklahoma State Health Department, focusing his efforts on improving health outcomes in underdeveloped and underserved settings.
At the CDC, Dr. McNabb rose to the rank of Distinguished Consultant in 2005 and was nominated for the prestigious Charles C. Shepard Science Award that same year. He completed the Senior Executive Service (SES) Candidate Development Program in 2004 and is certified by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. From 2006 to 2008, he served as Director of the Division of Integrated Surveillance Systems and Services within the National Center for Public Health Informatics. Prior to retiring from the CDC in 2010, he held the position of Associate Director for Science in the Public Health Informatics and Technology Program Office for Surveillance, Epidemiology, and Laboratory Services.
Dr. McNabb is currently an Adjunct Professor in the Hubert Department of Global Health and the Department of Epidemiology at Emory University, where he served for 14 years as Research Professor. He has led major academic and workforce development initiatives, including directing the King Abdullah Fellowship Program and serving as Principal Investigator for the Africa CDC Institute for Workforce Development .
A service-connected disabled U.S. veteran, Dr. McNabb is Founder and CEO of Public Health Practice, LLC. He also serves as Adjunct Professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the College of Public Health and Health Informatics, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and teaches at the University of Georgia School of Public Health.
He is passionate about building public health capacity through innovative online learning platforms. He teaches Research Skills Development, Case Study Design and Development, and courses in Public Health Surveillance, Scientific Communication for Leaders, and Successful Scientific Writing at institutions including Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health via EpiSummer at Columbia.
Dr. McNabb has mentored over 100 MPH and PhD students and 14 CDC Public Health Prevention Specialists. He actively contributes to global health initiatives and has authored two Elsevier books:
Transforming Public Health Surveillance
Modernizing Global Health Security to Prevent, Detect, and Respond
He currently serves on the Editorial Board for Epidemiology and Global Health and is widely recognized for his leadership, adaptability, and commitment to advancing public health practice worldwide.
Listen To This Episode Of The Public Health Epidemiology Conversations (PHEC) Podcast
Conversation Highlights
Public health surveillance is essential for community health.
Rethinking surveillance methods is crucial for effective responses.
Online education is vital for public health training.
Ethical AI can improve data collection in public health.
Public health systems need to be integrated for better outcomes.
Involving the public in health surveillance is necessary.
Current funding cuts present challenges but also opportunities.
Information technology can enhance public health communication.
Collaboration across disciplines strengthens public health efforts.
A global vision is needed for effective public health solutions.
Public health requires adaptability and a willingness to learn.
Epidemiology plays a crucial role in addressing health challenges.
Surveillance systems are vital for effective public health responses.
Public health is a lifelong commitment to improving community health.
"This is a moment in time for us to try to do something that would make the world better and public health better." - Scott McNabb
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