Dr. Eli Cahan: “Human beings are wired for stories.” episode artwork

EPISODE · May 4, 2026 · 40 MIN

Dr. Eli Cahan: “Human beings are wired for stories.”

from Take as Directed · host CSIS Global Health Policy Center | Center for Strategic and International Studies

Dr. Eli Cahan explains how he evolved into both a neonatologist and an accomplished, intrepid journalist, inspired by the likes of Atul Gawande and shaped by experiences during the Covid-19 pandemic. It is a balancing act, rushing between fixed medical facilities and airplanes. “We get to bear witness.”  His stories have covered anti-microbial resistance (AMR) among war fighters. An upcoming piece will cover the weakening of prevention and control over polio and the possibility of the reemergence of polio in America. With each, a focus is shaping opinion in Congress. Polio has become a major biosecurity issue and does indeed command attention in Congress and within the administration. The Pitt is fearless in exposing the problems people experience with American health care. At the same time, most health communications are frayed–what to do?

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published May 4, 2026

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Dr. Eli Cahan: “Human beings are wired for stories.”

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