This Week in Virology Podcast Breaks Down Viral Topics in Approachable Way

With over 1000 episodes under its belt, This Week in Virology (TWiV) podcast has become the leader in medical podcasts, with expert acumen and a conversational approach. TWiV welcomes Dr. Daniel Griffin, MD, PhD and president of Parasites Without Borders, to the pod each week for a clinical update, where he discusses the week’s viral topics. In a field where the research is ever-evolving, Dr. Griffin’s updates provide medical professionals, students, and laymen with a succinct and digestible overview. His latest episode, TWiV 1090: Clinical update with Dr. Daniel Griffin, discusses new treatment options for the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), the week’s influenza virus, and SARS-CoV-2 virus statistics, including the efficacy of self-testing, CDC quarantine guidelines, paying for Paxlovid, and more.

“When we created TWiV, we wanted it to be a place where anyone could come and learn about the fascinating world of virology,” explained Vincent Racaniello, PhD, one of the Parasites Without Borders board members, founder of MicrobeTV, and host of This Week in Virology (TWiV) along with Dickson D. Despommier, PhD. “Dr. Griffin’s updates are a critical part of that because he breaks down the research and discovery happening now. We saw a huge rise in listenership at the beginning of the COVID-19 Pandemic; people wanted science-based information from experts in the fields but without the pretense. We’re happy to provide that.”

TWiV premiered in September 2008 with its first episode, “West Nile Virus.” Originally hosted by Dr.s Racaniello and Despommier, the hosts started introducing more virology experts to provide a variety of perspectives and topics. Alan Dove, PhD, a science writer, joined in late 2008; Rich Condit, PhD, a poxvirologist, joined in 2009; Kathy Spindler, PhD, professor of microbiology and immunology, in August 2012; and Brianne Barker, PhD, an immunologist, in 2018. Additionally, Dr. Daniel Griffin, physician-scientist, co-hosts a regular clinical update. Most recently, Angela Mingarelli, DVM, and Jolene Ramsey, PhD, have joined the podcast. The aim of TWiV has been to make information about viruses accessible, no matter the listeners’ scientific background.

“I’m incredibly passionate about the study of virology,” says Dr. Daniel Griffin. “It tends to be either ignored or widely misunderstood, but viruses and parasites can profoundly affect our daily lives. Being informed also helps create understanding and empathy when we talk about critical virology needs worldwide. The weekly clinical updates are a great way for professionals and the public at large to stay informed and understand what’s going on in the world.”