René F. Najera, MPH, DrPH – Medium

René F. Najera, MPH, DrPH

he/him

Published in

Microbial Instincts

Spot the Difference: A Guide to Types of Childhood Rashes

A practical guide for parents who’d rather not do a web search for “non-blanching rash” at two in the morning.

20h ago

A young child with light blonde hair wears a blue surgical mask and has white cream spots on their face. The child is bare-chested, looking playfully to the side, with hands held in front. The background shows pastel-colored walls and shelves with books, suggesting a cozy, softly lit indoor space.

20h ago

Published in

The Quantastic Journal

How Artificial Food Dyes Shaped What We Eat, and What We’re Learning Now About Their Safety

When it comes to food, what you see is not always what you get.

6d ago

A vibrant assortment of gummy candies, shaped like worms or sticks, in bright red, blue, green, yellow, and orange. Each piece is coated with a fine layer of sugar, giving them a sparkling look. The candies are scattered randomly, creating a colorful and playful display. No people or other objects are visible.

6d ago

Published in

Microbial Instincts

The Vaccine Americans Aren’t Familiar With, Yet Saved Millions Worldwide: The BCG Vaccine

That scar on the arm of immigrants to the U.S. is likely not the smallpox vaccine.

Jul 6

A young child with curly hair, wearing a yellow shirt and sitting on a person’s lap, appears upset while receiving a vaccination in the upper arm. The person holding the child is dressed in a red coat and headscarf, while the healthcare worker administering the vaccine wears a patterned shawl. They are seated on a padded bench in front of a wall made of stone and plaster. A notebook and pen are visible nearby.

Jul 6

The Vaccine Myth That Won’t Die: Thimerosal Is Still Not a Cause of Autism

Come on, anti-vaccine activists… Can we get a new conspiracy?

Jul 5

In a dark cemetery under a cloudy night sky, a decaying hand emerges from the ground, clutching a vial labeled “Thimerosal.” The hand appears skeletal and zombie-like, with tattered skin and dirt clinging to it. Beside the hand is a tombstone that reads “Vaccine Conspiracies c. 2001.” An owl with wide eyes perches on top of the tombstone. A crescent moon glows in the sky, casting shadows across nearby gravestones.

Jul 5

Published in

The Quantastic Journal

When Medicine Meets Humanity: Navigating the Ethics of Enslaved Bodies as Medical Specimens and…

The ethical crossroads of medicine, museums, and the legacy of enslaved bodies

Jun 28

A softly lit museum gallery with glass display cases holding artifacts. Several visitors, shown in silhouette, examine objects up close or chat nearby. Large statues and pottery line the walls, illuminated by spotlights. The modern space features wood-paneled ceilings and a polished floor that reflects the exhibits, creating a sense of depth and quiet curiosity.

Jun 28

Published in

Microbial Instincts

The Poop Prescription: How Fecal Transplants Went from Ancient Remedy to Modern Medicine

My front-row seat to learning about “donor doodoo.”

Jun 25

A person holds up a large, cartoon-style cookie shaped like a smiling poop emoji. The cookie is decorated with brown icing, big white eyes, and a wide grin. The individual’s face is mostly hidden behind the cookie, and they wear a light gray tank top. The background features pastel pink and white walls with blurred details, suggesting a cheerful café or shop setting.

Jun 25

Published in

The Quantastic Journal

Understanding Terrain Theory: A Different Way of Looking at Disease

Terrain theory sounds reasonable to the uninitiated. But it alone cannot explain why people exposed to germs develop specific diseases, or…

Jun 17

Understanding Terrain Theory: A Different Way of Looking at Disease Terrain theory sounds reasonable to the uninitiated. But it alone cannot explain why people exposed to germs develop specific diseases, or why vaccines work to prevent epidemics.

Jun 17

Published in

Microbial Instincts

What Happened When Vaccine Programs Collapsed in the Soviet Union: The Return of Diphtheria

What RFK Jr. is doing to vaccines right now reminds me of what the former Soviet republics did in the 1990s.

Jun 16

An abandoned room with peeling yellow and white paint on the walls contains several small metal bed frames, many with missing or damaged mattresses. Torn sheets, stuffed dolls, and scattered papers lie on the beds and dusty wooden floor. Light filters through large, grimy windows, casting a dim glow over the scene. The room feels still and long-forgotten, with signs of past use by children.

Jun 16

In Memory of Charlie

A bright young mind who would do so much for public health is gone.

Jun 11

A spacious lecture hall with tiered wooden benches, mostly filled with people facing a large screen at the front. Two tables are set up on stage, and a presentation is being shown on the screen. The room features modern walls, a high ceiling with exposed beams, and soft lighting, creating a focused atmosphere for the event.

Jun 11

Published in

The Quantastic Journal

Processed Foods: Friend, Foe, or Just Complicated?

A public health breakdown for anyone who’s ever bought canned beans or instant noodles.

Jun 9

A well-lit grocery store aisle with shelves on both sides fully stocked with colorful boxes of cereal, tea, and breakfast items. Signs above indicate sections like “Tea,” “Cereal,” and “Breakfast.” Bright sale tags and price drop signs are visible on many shelves. At the end of the aisle is a refrigerated section filled with dairy products, and the polished floor reflects the lights and products. No people are present in the scene.

Jun 9

René F. Najera, MPH, DrPH

René F. Najera, MPH, DrPH

he/him

Friend of Medium

DrPH in Epidemiology. Public Health Instructor. Father. Husband. "All around great guy." https://linktr.ee/rene.najera

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