“This Week in Virology (TWiV)” Podcast Hits 800th Episode

NEW YORK CITY, New York (September 6, 2021) – This Week in Virology (TWiV), a podcast about viruses, has released its 800^th episode. Started in September 2008 by two science professors at Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC), Vincent R. Racaniello, PhD and Dickson D. Despommier, PhD, the podcast has since garnered a cult following amongst physicians, scientists, medical students, medical workers, and everyday folks.

“From the start, our goal was to capture conversations among scientists that were otherwise unheard,” explained Racaniello. “A conversation is a terrific way to teach. But it is incomplete without the ability to ask questions, which we also give to our listeners. By answering their questions we make them part of each episode.”

In each new episode, Dr. Racaniello and other virologist co-hosts dive into a medical explanation about the viruses that make us sick. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the podcast has actively reviewed the latest news reports and scientific studies to share science-backed information, including adding a weekly clinical update with Dr. Daniel Griffin, MD, PhD, Chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases at ProHEALTH Care NY, the Senior Infectious fellow at United Health Group, and an Infectious Disease Physician at Columbia University. Dr. Griffin is now famous for often saying such things as: “Wearing a mask is less traumatic for a child than being hospitalized,” “The plural of anecdotes is not data,” “Never miss an opportunity to test,” “Never miss an opportunity to vaccinate,” “Vaccination is how this pandemic ends,” and “No one is safe until everyone is safe.”