36. Creatively Combating Antimicrobial Resistance

Contagious Conversations

How can creative messaging and the arts help people better understand issues around antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance? Our guests discuss the power of art to promote public health and protective behaviors, as well as the power of patient advocacy in raising awareness about these issues.

This episode is hosted by Dr. Judy Monroe, president and CEO of the CDC Foundation, in conversation with Dr. Meghan Perry and Ella Balasa. Dr. Perry is an infectious disease physician in the Scottish National Health Service and a senior clinical lecturer at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. Her experience with infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance sparked the idea for a musical titled "The Mold That Changed the World," which details the life of Dr. Alexander Fleming, the discoverer of penicillin. Ella has endured a lifelong battle with cystic fibrosis and has experienced lung infections by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Her journey led her to become a patient advocate for cystic fibrosis.

For full episode transcription, visit Contagious Conversations.

Key Takeaways:

[1:54] Dr. Perry shares how she became involved in the production of “The Mold that Changed the World.”

[5:20] Dr. Perry talks about the story within the story of Alexander Fleming’s groundbreaking discovery.

[6:06] Ella talks about her journey as a patient with cystic fibrosis.

[10:16] Dr. Perry talks about the innovative therapies in the field of antimicrobial resistance.

[14:55] What unique opportunities do the arts present for public health messaging?

[17:21] Ella talks about becoming a patient advocate.

[21:18] Does Ella think that medical professionals can better communicate to the public the threats posed by anti-microbial resistance and how to avoid contributing to the problem?

[23:10] Ella talks about the economic aspects of prescribing antibiotics.

[23:47] Dr. Perry talks about other emerging public health issues that could also benefit from art as a medium to spread awareness.

[25:10] The guests reinforce the idea that people should only take antibiotics when they absolutely need them.

Mentioned in This Episode:

The Mould That Changed the World