In our latest episode, we’re extremely fortunate to be joined by evolutionary virologist and avian influenza researcher Dr. Louise Moncla to discuss the current H5N1 situation in the U.S. and around the world. We cover the history of H5N1, how the virus might mutate, the current risks to both animal and human populations, and the potential for a future pandemic. Dr. Moncla also shares insight into her work on surveillance, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) tracking, and vaccine development. For anyone looking to better understand H5N1 or curious about what the current outbreak might lead to, this episode is a must-listen.Dr. Louise H. Moncla is an assistant professor of pathobiology at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, where she leads cutting-edge research on the evolution of avian influenza viruses, including highly pathogenic H5N1 strains. Her work focuses on understanding how these viruses adapt across hosts—especially during zoonotic spillover events—by combining computational phylodynamics, population genetics, and experimental virology.

Dr. Moncla has contributed to major surveillance efforts, including the development of a Nextstrain dashboard tracking H5N1 evolution in cattle, where her team identified key mutations suggesting mammalian adaptation.

She has briefed lawmakers on the current H5N1 crisis and is frequently cited by organizations like the WHO and USDA. Her publications include studies on within-host evolution in humans and poultry, and she is a co-author of the Nature paper on the global H5N1 panzootic.

In recognition of her impactful work, Dr. Moncla was named a 2024 Pew Biomedical Scholar. Her research is helping shape how we understand, monitor, and respond to emerging pandemic threats.

In this episode, we speak with Suzette Bianchi, RN. Suzette is a Charge RN in the Medical Intensive Care Unit at Boston Medical Center and has been at the bedside for over 30 years. She has been on the front lines of medical crises from the AIDS epidemic of the 1980s to the COVID-19 pandemic. She holds a permanent Charge RN role and also serves as an instructor for continuous dialysis, or continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). She joins us today to talk about her experiences as an RN, how the field has changed, and how she has managed to remain at the bedside in the ICU without succumbing to burnout or becoming jaded. We are grateful to have Suzette with us for this Nurses Week episode!

In this episode, we are joined by Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program (BHCHP) COO, April Ramsey, to discuss the incredible—and often overlooked—care provided to people experiencing homelessness in Boston. We explore how, over the past 40 years, the program has evolved to not only deliver care on the streets but also offer several unique and life-saving services, including adult and pediatric medical and dental care, as well as programs focused on mental health and addiction.

In addition, BHCHP operates facilities that provide 120 respite beds for individuals who are ready to leave the hospital but not yet ready to return to the streets. This is a truly unique and inspiring program that serves those most in need.

BHCHP COO April Ramsey joined the organization in 2011 as a clinic staff nurse at shelter partner Pine Street Inn, and later served as a respite staff nurse at The Barbara McInnis House. In 2013, April began coverage as the respite nursing supervisor and subsequently served as interim respite director of case management. She then helped develop the Care Management Program with the Commonwealth Care Alliance One Care Program, where she served as one of the first nurse care managers on that team.

In 2016, April was named site director of the Pine Street Inn clinics, and after two years, she became associate director of clinical operations for the program. In August 2024, she was appointed as BHCHP’s chief operating officer.

April began her nursing career at CAB Health and Recovery Services in Danvers and Boston. From 2014 to 2022, she also served as a public health clinical instructor for the Northeastern University School of Nursing. April holds a BS in Nursing from Northeastern University, having completed clinical roles at the children’s hospitals in Boston and Philadelphia.