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René F. Najera, MPH, DrPH
René F. Najera, MPH, DrPH

657 Followers

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Sep 15

False Positive/Negative Rate: Which Is Better? Why? What About Predictive Value?

Too many questions! — It’s the age-old question of laboratory tests and analyses, “How accurate is this?” The answer to this question is always, “It depends…” Some lengthy explanation follows this answer of what is best for the person being tested. When it comes to individual medical decisions, these discussions are best when had…

Public Health

6 min read

False Positive/Negative Rate: Which Is Better? Why? What About Predictive Value?
False Positive/Negative Rate: Which Is Better? Why? What About Predictive Value?
Public Health

6 min read


Jul 15

Why are there many vaccinated kids in measles outbreaks?

As usual, the answer is in the proper analysis of data. — A Fraud and Its Victims In 1998, a team of researchers in Great Britain published a study examining the relationship between the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine and autism. Or, as the study paper put it, “We identified associated gastrointestinal disease and developmental regression in a group of previously normal children, which was generally associated…

Vaccines

7 min read

Why are there many vaccinated kids in measles outbreaks?
Why are there many vaccinated kids in measles outbreaks?
Vaccines

7 min read


Jul 7

Does Eating Ice Cream Lead to Drowning? Not If You Understand Confounding

The data will not analyze itself. — Suppose you’re an epidemiologist at a local health department in a resort town. The town council just had a person give testimony that ice cream leads to drowning, and they have the data to prove it. They pulled 700 random records from the local ice cream shop over the last…

Epidemiology

7 min read

Does Eating Ice Cream Lead to Drowning? Not If You Understand Confounding
Does Eating Ice Cream Lead to Drowning? Not If You Understand Confounding
Epidemiology

7 min read


Jul 6

I’ll Debate You On Vaccines…

…But we need ground rules. — A group of entertainers and anti-vaccine activists recently tried to harass a well-known vaccine researcher into a “debate” on vaccination. Thankfully, the researcher refused to engage. So, true to form, the entertainers and anti-vaccine activists claimed victory. This is an old tactic by science deniers and others. They challenge you…

Public Health

5 min read

I’ll Debate You On Vaccines…
I’ll Debate You On Vaccines…
Public Health

5 min read


Jun 17

How to Read Pandemic Research Papers: Tips for Understanding Technical Language, Biostatistics, and Hierarchy of Evidence

Just because it’s published, that doesn’t mean it’s valid. — If you only have a minute… This blog post provides tips for reading pandemic research papers. It suggests familiarizing yourself with the technical language of epidemiological research, understanding basic biostatistics, and knowing the hierarchy of evidence. It also warns against pre-prints and reminds readers that individual experiences may differ from group findings. The post concludes by…

Public Health

13 min read

How to Read Pandemic Research Papers: Tips for Understanding Technical Language, Biostatistics…
How to Read Pandemic Research Papers: Tips for Understanding Technical Language, Biostatistics…
Public Health

13 min read


Jun 11

The next pandemic pathogen will surprise us, but it won’t be a surprise.

Maybe it will be influenza. Maybe tuberculosis. Maybe an old pathogenic foe. Or maybe a deliberate act from a bad actor. Whatever the scenario is, we’re not ready. — If you only have a minute, here’s the TL;DR version… I discuss the possibility of future pandemics and suggest that influenza and drug-resistant tuberculosis are among the most likely candidates for pathogens that cause a pandemic. I also discuss the potential for intentional release of smallpox and the need for pandemic preparedness. The post highlights the importance of public health…

Pandemic

11 min read

The Next Pandemic Pathogen Will Surprise Us, but It Won’t Be a Suprise
The Next Pandemic Pathogen Will Surprise Us, but It Won’t Be a Suprise
Pandemic

11 min read


Apr 29

The Philadelphia Legionnaires’ Disease Epidemic of 1976

It wasn’t until this epidemic that a new species of bacteria causing flu-like symptoms and pneumonia was discovered. — A quick summary of what you’re about to read, if you don’t have a lot of time: In 1976, an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease occurred during the American Legion’s convention in Philadelphia, resulting in 34 deaths and 221 illnesses. The cause was later identified as Legionella pneumophila bacteria in the hotel’s cooling tower, which had spread through the ventilation system. The outbreak led to the identification of…

Infectious Disease

4 min read

The Philadelphia Legionnaires’ Disease Epidemic of 1976
The Philadelphia Legionnaires’ Disease Epidemic of 1976
Infectious Disease

4 min read


Apr 25

Five Lessons from Aviation for Your Everyday Life

A quick summary of what you’re about to read, if you don’t have a lot of time: Lessons from aviation can be applied to everyday life. These include remaining calm and focused in high-pressure situations, avoiding unnecessary risks, following rules and avoiding distractions, listening to advice, and trusting your gut. Remembering that “there is more time than life” and saying “nope” when necessary can also keep you…

Aviation

6 min read

Five Lessons from Aviation for Your Everyday Life
Five Lessons from Aviation for Your Everyday Life
Aviation

6 min read


Apr 21

Public Health Workers Are Tired and Leaving Their Jobs in Droves, And I Don’t Blame Them

Toxic workplaces exist within public health, and public health workers also get abuse from members of the public who do not believe in public health interventions. This is leading to a new exodus of public health workers, and I’m not surprised. — A quick summary of what you’re about to read, if you don’t have a lot of time: This article discusses the findings of a survey of public health workers in the United States, which found that many plan to leave their jobs or retire. The pandemic has put a strain on public health workers, who have been working long hours for many months. The article highlights the…

Public Health

5 min read

Public Health Workers Are Tired and Leaving Their Jobs in Droves, And I Don’t Blame Them
Public Health Workers Are Tired and Leaving Their Jobs in Droves, And I Don’t Blame Them
Public Health

5 min read


Apr 14

Let’s Talk About Quantum Leap (2022) Season One

The reboot of the season was not what I expected, and that’s not a bad thing. — I still remember staying up late on some weeknights as a kid to watch the original “Quantum Leap” television series on NBC. And I still remember watching the series finale. The finale left me with many questions about the mythos of the series (the original and the reboot). First, the…

Science Fiction

5 min read

Let’s Talk About Quantum Leap (2022) Season One
Let’s Talk About Quantum Leap (2022) Season One
Science Fiction

5 min read

René F. Najera, MPH, DrPH

René F. Najera, MPH, DrPH

657 Followers

DrPH in Epidemiology. Associate/JHBSPH. Adjunct/GMU. Epidemiologist. Father. Husband. (He/Him/His/El)

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