It’s OK to Be Optimistic. Really. (with Monica Gandhi)

Dr. Bob calls up Monica Gandhi, infectious diseases and HIV doctor at UCSF, to talk about why she’s feeling optimistic at this moment in the pandemic. They discuss why her optimism hasn’t waned despite the fourth wave, the variants, and the CDC Director’s feeling of “impending doom.” Plus, why it’s so hard for places like the CDC to balance optimism and caution in how they advise the public.    Follow Dr. Bob on Twitter @Bob_Wachter and check out In the Bubble’s new Twitter account @inthebubblepod.   Follow Monica Gandhi on Twitter @MonicaGandhi9.    Keep up with Andy in D.C. on Twitter @ASlavitt and Instagram @andyslavitt.   In the Bubble is supported in part by listeners like you. Become a member, get exclusive bonus content, ask questions, and get discounted merch at https://www.lemonadamedia.com/inthebubble/    Support the show by checking out our sponsors!   Click this link for a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this show and all Lemonada shows: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NEJFhcReE4ejw2Kw7ba8DVJ1xQLogPwA/view    Check out these resources from today’s episode:    Keep up with the CDC’s latest recommendations for fully vaccinated people: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated-guidance.html  Check out this Atlantic article about the fourth surge that Monica mentions in today’s episode: https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2021/03/fourth-surge-variant-vaccine/618463/  Read this CDC study looking at the real-world effectiveness of the mRNA vaccines: https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/70/wr/mm7013e3.htm  This article suggests vaccines might reduce viral load (and thereby suppress transmission of COVID-19): https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-021-01316-7  Check out David Leonhardt’s article on the US media’s obsession with bad news: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/24/briefing/boulder-shooting-george-segal-astrazeneca.html  Learn more about Dr. Bob Wachter and the UCSF Department of Medicine here: https://medicine.ucsf.edu/  To follow along with a transcript and/or take notes for friends and family, go to www.lemonadamedia.com/show/in-the-bubble shortly after the air date. Stay up to date with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia. For additional resources, information, and a transcript of the episode, visit lemonadamedia.com.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices