Host Dr. Drew Pinsky welcomes Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, introduced as a longtime friend, physician, epidemiologist, former Stanford professor, and now director of the National Institutes of Health. They discuss his transition into government work, his optimism about using NIH resources to address the health needs of Americans, and his response to criticism from the American Medical Association over shifting away from funding mRNA vaccine research for respiratory viruses.

Dr. Bhattacharya explains that public trust in the mRNA platform has collapsed, making it better to invest in other vaccine technologies, while still supporting mRNA applications in areas like cancer. He emphasizes the importance of funding research on long COVID, supporting those with vaccine injuries, and restoring trust in science through transparency, open dialogue, and acknowledging mistakes.

Both he and Dr. Drew stress that rebuilding credibility requires humility, honesty, and a commitment to evidence-based medicine.