Lyme disease is the most common vector-borne disease in the United States, affecting an estimated hundreds of thousands of Americans each year. In this episode of The Director’s Desk, NIH Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya speaks with Dr. Stephanie Haridopolos, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Health within the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health and Director of National Health Communications for the Office of the Surgeon General, about Lyme disease, tick-borne illness, chronic symptoms, prevention, and the urgent need for better diagnostics and treatments.

The conversation explores how Lyme disease spreads through infected ticks, why some patients experience persistent symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, and neurological complications, and how NIH, HHS, FDA, CDC, and other partners are working to advance research and patient-centered solutions. The episode also discusses tick bite prevention, co-infections such as babesiosis and ehrlichiosis, and new approaches to understanding infection-associated chronic illnesses.

Dr. Haridopolos also shares insights on public health leadership, patient empowerment, children’s health, the Office of the Surgeon General, and national efforts to address chronic disease and improve health communication.

Listen to learn more about Lyme disease research, tick prevention, chronic Lyme symptoms, and how science is helping shape the future of diagnosis, treatment, and public health.

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Fluoride, oral health, dental infections, and the science behind cavity prevention take center stage in this episode of The Director’s Desk.

NIH Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya sits down with Dr. Jennifer Webster-Cyriaque, Acting Director of the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), to discuss why dental health is essential to overall health — and what the latest NIH-supported research reveals about preventing tooth decay and serious oral infections.

Tooth decay remains one of the most common chronic diseases worldwide. When untreated, cavities and gum disease can progress beyond the mouth, leading to bloodstream infections and severe systemic complications. Dr. Webster-Cyriaque explains the science behind oral bacteria, infection risk, and why prevention, early treatment, and community water fluoridation continue to play a critical role in public health.

In this conversation, they explore:

• The health consequences of untreated cavities and oral infections
• The connection between oral health and systemic disease
• The evidence behind fluoride and cavity prevention
• NIH-supported dental and craniofacial research
• Health equity and reducing disparities in oral health care
• Dr. Webster-Cyriaque’s scientific career and leadership at NIDCR

This episode highlights a central message of biomedical research and public health: oral health is integral to overall health.

Subscribe to The Director’s Desk for more conversations with NIH leaders advancing evidence-based medicine, dental research, and public health innovation.

In this episode of The Director’s Desk, NIH Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya hosts a roundtable with the primary authors of the new HHS peer-reviewed report, “Treatment for Pediatric Gender Dysphoria: Review of Evidence and Best Practices.”

This comprehensive federal review evaluates the scientific evidence behind current pediatric gender dysphoria treatments—including puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and surgical interventions—and concludes that these approaches carry significant and long-term risks for children and adolescents.

Featured Authors & Contributors:
• Dr. Tracy Beth Høeg – Physician-Epidemiologist
• Dr. Patrick Lappert – Surgeon
• Dr. Andre Van Mol – Family Physician
• Dr. Stephen B. Levine – Psychiatrist & Researcher
• Dr. Paul W. Hruz – Pediatric Endocrinologist
• Dr. Michael K. Laidlaw – Endocrinologist
• Dr. Miriam Grossman – Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist
• Additional contributors to the HHS evidence review and peer-review process

Together, they discuss the report’s major findings, the strength and limitations of the existing evidence base, long-term clinical outcomes, and the implications for research, clinical practice, and public health policy.

To learn more or read the full HHS report, visit HHS.gov.