During the coronavirus pandemic, listening to experts—and those who most closely follow the virus, its effects, and the effort to combat it—is crucial. And from analysts and academics to reporters and epidemiologists; several dedicated, hard-working, qualified women have stepped up to provide information and insight. Follow the women in this list for information, clarity, and inspiration during this difficult time.
Esther Choo, ER physician, Portland, Oregon
Dr. Choo, an emergency room physician, shares her experiences from the front lines of the coronavirus crisis on her broadcast “Doctor’s Log https://www.radio.com/media/podcast/doctors-log,” giving a twice-weekly report detailing the threats, challenges, and experiences from her own ER. Her topics include ventilator shortages, unexpected secondary consequences of the virus and our efforts to fight it, and the need for personal protective equipment for healthcare workers.
Yamiche Alcindor, PBS NewsHour correspondent and political contributor to NBC News and MSNBC
Alcindor reports on the cultural and social impact, responsibility of leaders, and how health officials and political leaders are handling the crisis and remaining transparent during the pandemic.
Tara C. Smith, professor of epidemiology at Kent State University College of Public Health
Dr. Smith, an infectious disease epidemiologist and science communicator, looks at how diseases spread, covers other topics becoming more relevant to many lately such as vaccines, and examines various aspects of how the virus is being studied, such as genomics.
Weijia Jiang, CBS News correspondent
Jiang has covered the last two United States presidential administrations extensively, and has been covering how the United States combats virus. Her forthright questioning of political leadership and regular communication provide information and context.
Sue Desmond-Hellmann, physician, researcher, former CEO of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
Dr. Desmond-Hellmann, known for her work as an AIDS researcher and overseeing the world’s largest charitable foundation, focuses on business and philanthropic responses, the lives lost and affected by the virus, scientific breakthroughs, and looking forward.
Kaitlan Collins, CNN correspondent
Collins, known for covering the crisis including economic and medical strategies and fallout, is known for asking tough questions and also uses her platform to promote other voices covering the pandemic.
Dara Kass, ER physician and professor at Columbia University Medical Center
Dr. Kass posts regular information about the virus and outbreak, and advocates for informed, capable, transparent leadership and open communication.
Francesca Chambers, McClatchy correspondent
Chambers has covered political issues for several years and is now reporting on the response to the virus. Her recent reporting includes testing and outreach efforts to reduce coronavirus deaths among African American communities.
Jen Gunter, physician and New York Times contributor
An OB-GYN, Dr. Gunter discusses the coronavirus from angles ranging from public health to personal hygiene and intimacy. She also boosts several other leading voices discussing the pandemic.
Juliette Kayyem, national security analyst for CNN
Kayyem, a business owner and former assistant secretary at the Department of Homeland Security, offers insightful breakdowns of various aspects of preparedness, leadership, and the response to the virus, especially in the United States.
Angela Rasmussen, virologist, Center of Infection and Immunity, Columbia University
Dr. Rasmussen is a researcher who focuses on highly pathogenic viruses like Covid-19. She addresses scientific and everyday concerns about the virus in an accessible, informative way.
Paula Reid, CBS News correspondent
Reid, a journalist who has covered American leadership for years, has recently become known for her pressing questions and drive to go deeper while covering the outbreak. She shares news and analysis from many other sources on her platform as well.
Steffanie Strathdee, professor and Associate Dean of Global Health Sciences, University of California San Diego School of Medicine
Dr. Strathdee, an infectious disease epidemiologist, shares both professional and personal experiences, having advocated for a cure for her husband after he contracted an antibiotic-resistant bug.
Let us know who we missed, and keep following these and other leading voices as we come together during this time help women, and those of all genders everywhere, stay safe and healthy.
