If I Could Change One Thing Podcast – SDSU School of Public Health Podcast

Our podcast seeks to explore Health Policy – locally, regionally, nationally and even internationally. There are podcasts for medicine and health, and podcasts for policy. But until this podcast, none have been devoted to discussing solely health policy.

Since the podcast is created at a California public university, it will deal with many issues affecting Californians. But since the work of the faculty and students spans the globe, it will allow for educating the public about the great impact that the School of Public Health has in communities around the world.

Our team hopes to provide clarity to many issues, shed light on decision making and provide timely consideration of key issues affecting not only Californians but any listener.

James joins the podcast team after involvement in numerous Public Health initiatives such as research on the effectiveness of vaccines against COVID-19, infection prevention strategies in long-term care facilities, and community-based interventions against vector-borne disease in northern Mexico and Nicaragua. As a Peace Corps volunteer in Nicaragua from 2010-2013, James supported community efforts to control Dengue fever, Chagas disease and other infectious diseases. James enjoys hiking, surfing, and walking his dog–a three year-old pug named Bill Pickles.

Gary Rotto is the founder of the “If I Could Change One Thing” Podcast which began in 2020. He now serves as an occasional guest host due to other university-wide leadership responsibilities. Professor Rotto continues to serve on the faculty of the School of Public Health specializing in Public Health policy. He also leads the Public Health study abroad program in Vietnam. Professor Rotto spends the majority of his time at SDSU as the Director of Federal Government Relations working across the colleges to advance research opportunities as well as promoting federal higher education policy benefiting students.

The Podcast was moderated by Jenny Munday, PhD, MPH, Program Director of SDSU’s Global Campus Public Health Programs, Graduate Advisor, and Lecturer. Dr. Munday brings her background in public health, health policy research, and teaching to the air. She completed a post-doctoral fellowship in the School of Population and Public Health at the University of British Columbia; she earned a PhD from the Joint Doctoral Program at UCSD/SDSU in Public Health with a focus on Health Behavior/Preventive Medicine; and she earned a MPH from The George Washington University in Public Health with a focus on Health Policy.

Ella Barone, 2nd year, Public Health Major
Hi! My name is Ella Barone and I am a second year Public Health major at SDSU. I am from Orange County, California and have always had an interest in studying the overall health of communities and looking for ways to improve accessibility to modern medicine. My main interests regarding Public Health are overdose and mental health awareness, addressing health disparities, and preventing / treating diseases. I am working towards my bachelors degree to then pursue Physician Assistant school. In my free time I love to read books, spend time with my friends, and listen to music! I am so excited to be working on a podcast to spread awareness on public health throughout the San Diego community.

Julianna Fassas, 1st year, MPH concentration in Epidemiology
Hi! My name is Julianna, I'm a graduate student in the MPH program with a concentration in Epidemiology. I received a B.S. from UCSD in Physiology and Neuroscience in 2020, and have been working in Clinical Research since. My main interests are chronic disease prevention and mental health advocacy, especially in the San Diego community. This is my first year volunteering with the "If I Could Change One Thing" podcast, and I'm excited to work with a team of so many different backgrounds, experiences, and passions. I'm hoping to gain some new perspectives on all facets of public health, as well as share my own.

Rocio Flores, 4th year, Major in Public Health
Rocio Flores is a second year Global Campus MPH student from the San Francisco Bay Area. Rocio's passion for public health and volunteering began during her undergraduate education in nutritional science and psychology. Since graduating, she has performed nutrition education for community clinics and non-profit work in mental health. She currently works for a local public health department in the communications team. She is excited to support the School of Public Health assisting in research for the If I Could Change One Thing Podcast. She spends her free time with her family and pets.

Isabella Oyola, 5th year, Major in Health Communications

Bio: Hi there! My name is Isabella Oyola, I'm a fifth year majoring in Health Communication with a minor in Sustainability. After graduating I plan on attending graduate school to get my Master's in Communication, focusing on the ways we communicate health surrounding food and doing research in food security, access to nutritious food, and policies that influence the food system. I joined the podcast team to learn more about the ins and outs of a podcast and to hear what professionals have to say about different topics. Super excited for this opportunity!

Episode One

Alzheimer’s prevention advocate Dr. Phyllis Ferrell describes her work with the Davos Alzheimer’s Collaborative—a global health organization dedicated to transforming Alzheimer’s research, prevention, and care worldwide. Tune-in to hear about why Alzheimer’s preparedness is so important and the many connections between Alzheimer’s and Public Health policy. Episode One of Season Nine of If I Could Change One Thing

Episode Two

Dr. Rachael Record is a Professor at the School of Communication at SDSU, and Associate Director of the Thirdhand Smoke Resource Center. Her expertise focuses on strategies to improve tobacco-related health behavior. Thirdhand smoke, vaping, and the use of social media for health behavior change are important topics discussed in this episode. Episode Two of Season Nine of If I Could Change One Thing

Episode One

Dr. Wendi Gosliner works to improve population health and nutrition by eliminating health disparities and improving federal food programs. How did SNAP and WIC programs change during the COVID-19 pandemic? How do socioeconomic factors impact access to nutritious foods? What are common misperceptions about nutrition policy in the US? Find out, on this episode of If I Could Change One Thing, the Health Policy Podcast of San Diego State University.

Episode One of Season Eight of If I Could Change One Thing

Episode Two

In this episode we speak with Richard Fierro—decorated Army Veteran and SDSU alumnus.

On November 19, 2022, Rich and his family were at the scene of the Club Q mass shooting, where Rich was credited with helping subdue the gunman. For his efforts he has received numerous awards such as the 2023 Congressional Medal of Honor Society's - Citizen Honors Award for Valor. Additionally, Rich works with his wife Jessica to operate their own brewery—Atrevida—in Colorado Springs. Atrevida’s motto is “Diversity, it’s on tap!” and Atrevida strives to demonstrate diversity in everything it does. Atrevida has won multiple awards such as the 2019 Colorado Governor’s Minority Small Business of the Year award.
Tune-in to hear about Rich’s unique life and perspective, on this episode of If I Could Change One Thing, the Health Policy Podcast of San Diego State University.
Episode Two of Season Eight of If I Could Change One Thing

Episode Three

In this episode, Jonathan Vasquez Ramirez and Roberto Santana, two recent graduates of the School of Public Health undergraduate program, talk about their current public health fellowships and how SDSU prepared them for success. Jonathan’s fellowship is with the California academic health department residency program, placed at the San Diego County Public Health Services Administration; and Roberto’s fellowship is with the CDC’s CureTB program. Tune in to hear about how they chose their fellowships and how SDSU influenced their exciting career paths.
Episode Three of Season Eight of If I Could Change One Thing

Episode Four

Dr. Paula Stigler Granados, environmental health expert and Associate Professor at SDSU's School of Public Health, discusses her research on Chagas disease—an emerging public health threat in the United States that is typically transmitted by blood-sucking insects nicknamed kissing bugs. Additionally, Dr. Granados shares her expertise about the Tijuana River contamination crisis near the Mexico-US border. Episode Four of Season Eight of If I Could Change One Thing

Episode One

Sleep deprivation affects performance in all aspects of life, including academics; operating cars, airplanes, and trains; in medical settings; in the workplace; and in athletics to name a few. How exactly does sleep deprivation affect our mental, emotional, and physical health? What is good sleep hygiene and how can we practice it in our own lives? What policy changes should be made on a societal level to promote proper sleep? In this episode, we discuss these sleep-related issues and more.

Episode One of Season Seven of If I Could Change One Thing

Episode Two

One of the pioneering Public Health policy makers during his 40 years in the US Congress, Henry Waxman shares his insights as to how to get big policy changes enacted. Learn about important actions such as the Affordable Care Act and taking on Big Tobacco in this special episode.

Episode Two of Season Seven of If I Could Change One Thing

Episode Three

Healthy communication between parents and adolescents is important for the well-being of young people, yet there is a shortage of research on ways to improve parental communication. In this episode, we ask Dr. Katrina Pariera--expert on sexual communication and family or interpersonal communication--about strategies for improving communication and ways to address this important Public Health topic.

Episode Three of Season Seven of If I Could Change One Thing

Episode Four

While preventing an overdose death is possible if someone present knows how and when to intervene, there is often little knowledge about overdose first-aid, as well as limited access to the overdose-reversal medication called naloxone.

Find out where to learn this live-saving skill, in this episode of If I Could Change One Thing, the Health Policy Podcast of the School of Public Health at San Diego State University.

Episode Four of Season Seven of If I Could Change One Thing

Episode Five

Food insecurity is a major problem in the United States. How do public institutions such as food pantries and federal assistance programs relieve or exacerbate this problem? In what ways do food-insecure individuals experience stigma, and how do political-economic ideologies perpetuate that stigma? We discuss these questions and more with Dr. Rebecca de Souza, expert on the political-economics on food-access, health, and social wellbeing.

Episode Five of Season Seven of If I Could Change One Thing

Episode One

Investigative journalism and accountability reporting shed new light on public health issues especially in responding to a pandemic. We delve into one journalist’s work uncovering new insights into the fragile public health infrastructure as well as the issue of health equity.

Episode One of Season Six of If I Could Change One Thing

Episode Two

How did public health measures play a role in quickly containing the Monkeypox epidemic? We look at not only public health policy but also why the Smallpox vaccine is so effective in preventing the spread of Monkeypox.

Episode Two of Season Six of If I Could Change One Thing

Episode Three

Asylum seekers have unique health needs. We explore the public health and other barriers for those seekers to enter the US in this episode.

Episode Three of Season Six of If I Could Change One Thing

Episode Four

Wastewater surveillance is becoming an integral tool for monitoring the rise of infectious diseases. While Dr. John Snow pioneered the original concept, modern PCR technology has accelerated its effectiveness. Dr. John Malone, an infectious disease physician with the County of San Diego walks us through the concept as well as discusses such topics as Monkeypox and other infectious diseases.

Episode Four of Season Six of If I Could Change One Thing

Episode Five

Could more lives have been saved in Uvalde? Emergency medical response and planning can benefit from the visual forensic reporting of the Uvalde mass shooting by the Washington Post team. We explore how this tool can provide information for evidence-based policymaking.

Episode Five of Season Six of If I Could Change One Thing

Episode Six

How can we reduce preventable deaths on a population level? What are health outcomes research, precision population health, and big data; and how can we utilize these to improve the public's health? What do we hope to learn from the Yale Paxlovid for Long COVID Trial, and how will the finidngs improve patients' lives in real-time? How much of a problem is health misinformation and what can we do to reduce it? We discuss these topics and more with Dr. Harlan Krumholz, Professor and Director of the Yale Center for Outcomes Research & Evaluation (CORE).

Episode Six of Season Six of If I Could Change One Thing

Episode Seven

We have come a long way in the COVID pandemic, and we’ve certainly learned from it. How can we apply this new knowledge to the next pandemic in order to reduce morbidity and mortality? SDSU School of Public Health researchers discuss the Communities Fighting COVID studies and projects, and explain how they are working to increase access to testing, treatment and vaccines. What if we could decrease regulations and oversight around testing in this country?

Episode Seven of Season Six of If I Could Change One Thing

Episode One

In this episode, we will take a look at an international perspective to the COVID-19 pandemic with Israel's Dr. Nadav Davidovitch. Dr. Davidovitch is an expert in health policy research and epidemiology. During the pandemic, he has served on the national cabinet for the COVID-19 response in Israel. We talk about how the pandemic exposed the country's health inequities, and Israel's rapid response to COVID-19.

Episode One of Season Five of If I Could Change One Thing

Episode Two

SDSU faculty members are engaged in research regarding the health needs and community access issues of individuals experiencing homelessness. In this episode, we talk with Dr. Jerel Calzo and Dr. Jennifer Felner, and discuss the stigmatization of individuals experiencing homelessness. Additionally, we talk about the issue to access of public restrooms.

Episode Two of Season Five of If I Could Change One Thing

Episode Three

In this episode, we focus on the status of healthcare for the uninsured and underinsured. Katie Heidorn is the Executive Director of Insured the Uninsured Project, and we will discuss the implications of theCal-AIM project in the recently approved Medi-Cal waiver.

Episode Three of Season Five of If I Could Change One Thing

Episode Four

In this episode, we explore the California Master Plan of Aging, and its goals and objectives to benefit the growing aging population in California. Our guest, Sarah Steenhausen, is the Deputy Director of Aging Policy, Reasearch, and Equity at the California Department of Aging. We discuss the kind of impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has had on this plan, and the growing needs of older adults.

Episode Four of Season Five of If I Could Change One Thing

Episode Five

Is 3D printing the next level of innovation for hospitals and surgeons? Is 3D printing science, art, or a combination of many disciplines? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Justin Ryan, the director of 3D Innovations Lab at Rady's Children's Hospital. Dr. Ryan talks about what it looks like to introduce these new technologies to such settings, and how they connect with pediatric care.

Episode Five of Season Five of If I Could Change One Thing

Episode Six

California Correctional Health Care Services is emerging from a decade of federal oversight. We talk with Federal Receiver, Clark Kelso, about the healthcare needs of inmates and the goals set by the federal courts for serving incarcerated individuals.

Episode Five of Season Six of If I Could Change One Thing

Episode One

In this episode, we find out how a pediatrician uses his experiences to inform health policy in the California State Legislature. We talk about what must be done to assure that people can obtain vaccinations at public events without being subjected to harassment or being bullied. How did other previous events inform policy making around vaccines and the abuse of medical exemptions?

Dr. Richard Pan has devoted his career to health and helping the community. He is a practicing pediatrician, former UC Davis educator, current State Senator for California District 6 and Chair of the Senate Committee on Health.

Episode One of Season Four of If I Could Change One Thing

Episode Two

In this episode, we talk with the team leading the COVID Recovery Program at Scripps Health. The San Diego based health system is one of the leaders in responding to the needs of those with lingering COVID symptoms. Even individuals with mild COVID symptoms could develop long lasting symptoms. Learn about Scripps Health research into this syndrome.

Episode Two of Season Four of If I Could Change One Thing

Episode Three

In this episode, we are joined by Joseph Payne, Founder and CEO of Arcturus Therapeutics. We discuss the vaccine approval process, the many pathways to vaccine evaluation, and the successful technology behind the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines.

Episode Three of Season Four of If I Could Change One Thing

Episode Four

The VA Health System is one of the largest integrated health systems in the United States. Our hosts talk about how access to care for veterans has changed both before the pandemic and now during the pandemic. The discussion also delves into the health inequities experienced by some portions of the veteran's community. And finally, the discussion touches on the Tour4Diversity program, an effort to attract more prospective healthcare professionals from underrepresented communities.

Episode Four of Season Four of If I Could Change One Thing

Episode Five

For over ten years, the State of Reform has brought healthcare leaders together on a regional basis to discuss pressing healthcare policy questions. Recorded at the State of Reform Southern California Conference, we talk with the founder of the organization about how its approach helps bring diverse interests together working on behavior health system improvement, planning for the new Medi-Cal Waiver and other pressing issues.

Episode Five of Season Four of If I Could Change One Thing

Episode Six

We've had many interesting guests and stimulating discussions over the past semester. Our listener's have wanted to know more about the many topics we've covered. So our team has picked out a few of your questions and consulted with our guests to answer them.

Episode Six of Season Four of If I Could Change One Thing

Episode One

We've had many interesting guests and stimulating discussion over the past year. Our listeners have wanted to know more about many of the topics that we've covered. So our team has picked out a few of your questions and consulted with our guests to answer those follow up questions. Listen in to learn more!

Episode One of Season Three of If I Could Change One Thing

Episode Two

In our first-ever dual-language episode, we interview Roberto Alcantar of the San Diego Chicano Federation and spokesperson for the San Diego Latino Health Coalition. Where we discuss the issue of health equity and talk about the creation of the San Diego Latino Health Coalition and the work they are doing for one of San Diego's communities hit hardest by COVID-19.

Episode Two of Season Three of If I Could Change One Thing

Episode Three

In this episode, we discuss three hot public health topics: mask mandates and when they may go away, the effect of the new variants on herd immunity, and the case of Johnson & Johnson and the spoiled batch of vaccines. We discuss these issues and more with Dr. Monica Gandhi, Professor of Medicine and Associate Division Chief of HIV, Infectious Diseases, and Global Medicine, at UCSF/San Francisco General Hospital.

Episode Three of Season Three of If I Could Change One Thing

Episode Four

How does a health system prepared for natural disasters make the shift towards preparing its staff for a pandemic? How can you build resiliency in a workforce? What considerations do healthcare leaders take into account when designing a vaccine super-station? We consider all of these questions and more in our latest podcast episode with Chris Van Gorder, CEO of Scripps Health.

Episode Four of Season Three of If I Could Change One Thing

Episode One

The decision of the San Diego Unified School District to open the 2020-2021 school year is a clear break from the desire of the current Federal Administration. But other California public school district have since announced similar plans. In this episode we gain an understanding of what went into this policy decision. We also learn about how the SDUSD is working with parents to that they can find a comfortable and proper role in supporting their students and teachers in online learning.

Episode One of Season Two of If I Could Change One Thing

Episode Two

The Black Lives Matters movement has refocused societal attention on social justice especially for the Black community. There is a growing awareness that Social Justice should impact more than just criminal justice reform. Societal changes are shining a light on Health Disparities. One area that requires more attention is the health risk for seniors in the community, especially in the Black community, due health disparities. We'll talk about these issues in this episode.

Episode Two of Season Two of If I Could Change One Thing

Episode Three

As part of the border region, San Diegans know that heath care does not stop at artificial borders. The situation in San Diego influences what is happening in Baja California and visa versa. In this episode, we will talk with infectious disease physician Dr. Christian Ramers working with his colleagues in Baja on Covid-19 response. Dr. Ramers, in his role with Family Health Centers of San Diego, is also one of the leaders in providing services those who are homeless in San Diego. He'll detail the programs provided for those previously unsheltered in San Diego as well as discuss the successes and challenges of providing services at the Convention Center for this population as part of the region's response to the pandemic.

Episode Three of Season Two of If I Could Change One Thing

Episode Four

The House Energy and Commerce Committee is the leading congressional body creating health policy. Congressman Scott Peters, who represents San Diego, Poway and Coronado in the House of Representatives, discusses his role on the Energy and Commerce Committee. The episode details the Covid-19 pandemic faced by Congress, the impact of mental health policies, the future of telemedicine and more!

Episode Four of Season Two of If I Could Change One Thing

Episode Five

In this episode, host Gary Rotto speaks with Dr. Andrea Dooley, Associate Vice President for student affairs and campus diversity at San Diego State University. We explore SDSU’s leadership response to COVID-19 and how policies are created and communicated to the campus community. Looking for services available to students and faculty impacted by COVID-19.? We highlight many of those services during this episode.

Episode Five of Season Two of If I Could Change One Thing

Episode Six

T3, the Test, Trace and Treat program, seeks to provide a robust response to monitoring and addressing the COVID-19 pandemic. In this episode, we talk with Dr. Corrine McDaniels-Davidson, who leads this joint County-University program about both T3 as well as the larger "Communities Fighting COVID" study.

Episode Six of Season Two of If I Could Change One Thing

Episode Seven

This week, we had the opportunity to speak with Dr. “Davey” Smith, head of the division of infectious diseases and global public health at UCSD. In this episode, we address the role that San Diego has assumed as a headquarters for COVID-19 response, the framework behind Operation Warp Speed, and the roles that research, funding, and advocacy have played in the global response to COVID-19.

Episode Seven of Season Two of If I Could Change One Thing

Episode Eight

County Public Health Officers have been thrust into the public limelight during the pandemic. So, our host Gary Rotto invited one of the key Public Health Officers to discuss this important and very public role. Dr. Erin Gustafson, the interim Public Health Officer for the County of San Bernardino virtually comes to Montezuma Mesa to discuss how public health orders are shaped as well as how the orders are enforced. Learn about the Education and Enforcement team of San Bernardino by listening to their discussion! What do you think is the most important recommendation that any of the Public Health Officers have made over the past 9 months?

Episode Eight of Season Two of If I Could Change One Thing

Episode One

How do you change Health Policy? What is the role of the School in preparing its students to make an impact through policy development? In this inaugural episode, Dr. Hala Madanat, Director of the School of Public Health talks about how she envisions the podcast fitting in the work of the School as well as how the podcast will help to inform and engage the SDSU community. As an example of the work of the faculty and students, Dr. Madanat, who was recently named the 2020 Albert W. Johnson University Research Lecturer, discusses her work in research trends in globalization, its impact on nutrition and policy-making based on her research.

Episode One of If I Could Change One Thing

Episode Two

Imagine growing up in the Coachella Valley before the City of Coachella was known as it is today. How have things changed? How do you fight for better health for the underserved in the community? Now taking on the role of Chairman of the Riverside County Board of Supervisors and trying to govern during a pandemic. Victor Manuel Perez talks about Coachella, COVID-19 and providing steady, consensus but data driven leadership during these unsettling times.

Episode Two of If I Could Change One Thing

Episode Three

As Chair of the Family Medicine Department with the Riverside University Hospital System, Dr. Geoffrey Leung has always been passionate about Public Health and improving care for underserved populations. But during the COVID-19 pandemic, he has also become one of the leaders in the “Inland Empire” for testing and interpreting models to advise health policy in the region. Dr. Leung helps our listeners to demystify modeling as well as look to the “post-pandemic, pre-vaccine world” in which we will live.

Episode Three of If I Could Change One Thing Podcast

Episode Four

While there are many test kits on the market and available for COVID-19 testing, the kits are not all the same. Even the approval process varies. In this episode, we demystify the testing dilemma and discuss the difference between “FDA Approved” and “EUA”. Dr. Christopher Foltz talks about the special testing partnership underway in the Coachella Valley and the process he championed to assure that the test kits are reliable.

Episode Four of If I Could Change One Thing Podcast

Episode Five

Our host, Gary Rotto, discusses the impacts of COVID-19 regarding food insecurity with CEO of Feeding San Diego, Vince Hall. How does food insecurity affect health outcomes? How is health policy influenced by "Social Determinants of Health"? Learn how Feeding San Diego is addressing this aspect of health care and is responding to COVID-19 in this episode.

Episode Five of If I Could Change One Thing Podcast

Episode Six

One of the most experienced and respected health policy experts in the US. His work has spanned Democratic and Republican Administrations, including an appointment by President Barack Obama to serve as the Region IX Director of the US Department of Health and Human Services. His discussion with Professor Rotto is wide ranging encompassing policy making during a pandemic to relations with Native American governments. This episode is provided in an extended format. (What we mean is that there was so much to talk about, that it’s long!)

Episode Six of If I Could Change One Thing Podcast

Hadeel Ali, 4th year, Public Health
Hello! My name is Hadeel Ali and I am a 4th-year public health student minoring in business management. I am interested in healthcare management and will be pursuing that career after graduating from SDSU by attending graduate school for an MPH in healthcare policy and management. This is my first year volunteering for the “If I Could Change One Thing” podcast and I am looking forward to contributing this semester!

Ronnel Casasola, 4th year, Major in Public Health
Hi everyone! My name is Ronnel Casasola and I am currently entering my 4th year at San Diego State University, majoring in Public Health. As of right now I am still finding my career choice which is one of the main reasons I joined the “If I Could Change One Thing” Podcast, in hopes of grasping new information to help me find my path. I am very excited to be a part of this team!

Joanna Conde, 2nd year in the Masters of Public Health Program, Concentration in Epidemiology
Hello, my name is Joanna and I am a second year graduate student pursuing my Masters in Public Health in Epidemiology here at SDSU. I’ve had prior experience working in the public health field after receiving my Bachelors of Science in Health Science: Community Health Education. I am excited to join the “If I Could Change One Thing” Podcast Team in hopes to expand to a wider audience discussing important public health/public policy topics.

Georgina David, 4th year, Public Health
Hello! I am currently a fourth-year majoring in Public Health and minoring in Women’s Studies and French. I plan on working in the field of women’s health, ideally with an emphasis on sexual health and sexual harassment and violence prevention. This is my second year volunteering with the public health podcast, “If I Could Change One Thing…” and I am truly excited to be part of a team that is dedicated to educating our communities and providing new ideas, perspectives, and health content!

Amber Davis, 4th year Public Health major
Hello! I am in my final year at SDSU studying Public Health. I plan to pursue health policy and management in graduate school because I am highly interested in hospital administration and health promotion within healthcare. This is my first year volunteering with the “If I Could Only Change One Thing…” public health podcast. I am excited to work with this group dedicated to spreading knowledge of health policy through open discussion with great guest speakers!

Alexa Joy Fernandez, Senior/4th year, Major in Biology
Hello! My name is Alexa Joy Fernandez and I am in my fourth year majoring in Biology with minors in Interdisciplinary Studies and Public Health. I am a born and raised San Diegan, so I am right at home while on campus. Currently, I am on a pre-medical track with the goal of being an M.D. or D.O., and I would also love to get a Master’s degree in Public Health Education. I am so excited to join the “If I Could Change One Thing” podcast team to gain a greater perspective on health policy and awareness!

Andy Huizar, Senior, Health Communication & Public Health
Hi everyone! My name is Andy Huizar and I am a fourth-year at SDSU majoring in Health Communication and minoring in Public Health. Through my studies, I have learned a lot within the complexities of our healthcare system, focusing a lot on doctor-patient relationships and ways we can improve quality of care. I am passionate for all-things health and look forward to pursuing a Master’s in Public Health and a career in health policy. When I’m not in the classroom, you can find me running on the weekends.
Maximiliano Mendez, 5th year Public Health Major
Hi everyone, My name is Max Mendez. I am in my final year here at San Diego State University. My short term goals is to get my Master’s in Public Health (MPH) with an emphasis in Infectious Disease/Epidemiology. My interests are in zoonotic disease and outbreak investigation so that is the career path I am choosing to take. This is my first time working with the “If I Could Change One Thing” podcast and I am looking forward to being involved in the production, promotional and research aspect of this series. Excited for this new journey!

Alexa Mercado, Sophomore, Public Health.
I’m a full-time student studying Public Health with some prior experience working with community members and organizations in San Diego. I joined the “If I Could Change One Thing” podcast in order to grow and learn more about public health while participating in a student-led health policy podcast.

Paige Mitchell, 4th Year, Public Health.
Hello! My name is Paige Mitchell, and I am a fourth-year student majoring in Public Health. After graduating from San Diego State, I plan to pursue a master’s degree in Public Health with a concentration in maternal and child health. One day I hope to use my educational background to serve in a rural community. Most of my time outside the classroom is spent at the pool, as I am also a student-athlete on the women’s swim and dive team. I’m excited to be a part of the team at the “If I Could Change One Thing” podcast and can’t wait to bring something new to our listeners!

Zamira Smith, 4th Year, Public health
Hi everyone! My name is Zamira Smith and I am a fourth-year student at SDSU. I am a Public Health major and am currently interested in public policy and maternal health issues in the US. I am very excited to be a part of the “If I Could Change One Thing” podcast team. I look forward to learning more about the public health field and being a part of the bigger conversation regarding our healthcare systems and policies.

About the Podcast

Our Team

Our Host

Founder and Guest Host

Former Host

Season Nine

Episode One

Episode Two

Season Eight

Episode One

Episode Two

Episode Three

Episode Four

Season Seven

Episode One

Episode Two

Episode Three

Episode Four

Episode Five

Season Six

Episode One

Episode Two

Episode Three

Episode Four

Episode Five

Episode Six

Episode Seven

Season Five

Episode One

Episode Two

Episode Three

Episode Four

Episode Five

Episode Six

Season Four

Episode One

Episode Two

Episode Three

Episode Four

Episode Five

Episode Six

Season Three

Episode One

Episode Two

Episode Three

Episode Four

Season Two

Episode One

Episode Two

Episode Three

Episode Four

Episode Five

Episode Six

Episode Seven

Episode Eight

Season One

Episode One

Episode Two

Episode Three

Episode Four

Episode Five

Episode Six

Alumni