Although vaccines stand as one of modern medicine’s greatest achievements, preventable illnesses are resurfacing as declining immunization rates intersect with political polarization and media misinformation. In the 2026 Dolan Lecture, distinguished infectious disease specialist and global health strategist Dr. Bruce Gellin examines the history, current trends, and complex policy dynamics surrounding US and global vaccine programs. While science provides the empirical foundation, public trust and political forces ultimately determine whether life-saving tools reach the population—proving that vaccines do not save lives until vaccination actually occurs. Designed specifically for medical professionals, this presentation offers essential insights into navigating today's fragmented media landscape, overcoming vaccine skepticism, and translating evidence into effective public health practice.
Reception immediate following in the hospital atrium. No charge for the public.