I am deeply disappointed by the subdued response of the Infectious Diseases Society of America (@idsainfo.bsky.social) to the dismantling of public health structures, both in the US & globally Here's what I wrote in the closed listserv (response: 🦗) in hopes of stimulating discussion here #IDSky - ThreadSky

germhuntermd.bsky.social • 15 days ago

I am deeply disappointed by the subdued response of the Infectious Diseases Society of America (@idsainfo.bsky.social) to the dismantling of public health structures, both in the US & globally

Here's what I wrote in the closed listserv (response: 🦗) in hopes of stimulating discussion here #IDSky

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Comments

samhorwich.bsky.social•14 days ago

Extremely well said. Thank you for writing this

germhuntermd.bsky.social•14 days ago

Thanks Sam

oninopantsu.bsky.social•14 days ago

IDSA leadership needs to take a long look in the mirror and remember what they stand for... Then go stand for it! In the current environment, nobody cares what they have to say unless they are loudly broadcasting a message. Only then will they have attention and leverage. The clock is ticking.

oninopantsu.bsky.social•14 days ago

I say this having experience working with a group that got a law passed after years of steady effort and advocacy. In the end, going along, being quiet and following instructions did not get it across the finish line. Very public, loud advocacy made it happen.

oninopantsu.bsky.social•14 days ago

This moment is the "hill that IDSA should die on."

fayelands.bsky.social•14 days ago

Are any of them brave enough to speak up? Will any of them take a stand against tyranny?

anuhazramd.bsky.social•15 days ago

It’s no longer just cowardice. It feels like intentional complicity.

germhuntermd.bsky.social•15 days ago

If more people add their voice, they might listen

infectiobxl.bsky.social•14 days ago

👍

billga2603.bsky.social•15 days ago

When it is over and he is gone we shall remember them.

boghuma.bsky.social•14 days ago

You express the sentiments of many of us in the ID community who are members of IDSA. Doing our best to speak up with little backing from our own professional society. I hope they find their courage.

steve-shrewsbury.bsky.social•15 days ago

Good for you Ilan. I believe that EVERY SINGLE board member of EVERY scientific institution in the US, should reject these insane anti-DEI demands from our unhinged, racist, misogynist, elitist and disgraceful leader and his "boss", Musk! Science MUST stand STRONG and for truth and transparency

pissedoffllama.bsky.social•14 days ago

Their list of banned words is an absolute joke! Words on that list can literally apply to every grant out there, not just DEI related.

germhuntermd.bsky.social•15 days ago

Hard co-sign

jszumowski.bsky.social•15 days ago

Thank your for your advocacy. Silence is completely unacceptable.

germhuntermd.bsky.social•14 days ago

Thanks John. I hope the din grows until the society leadership realizes that the status quo is untenable

pissedoffllama.bsky.social•14 days ago

I am deeply disappointed that the scientists in this country are not protesting at every single state capitol yet.

nathanpsmad.bsky.social•14 days ago

Courage @germhuntermd.bsky.social not sure what we can concretely do for you, but we stand with you!

germhuntermd.bsky.social•14 days ago

Thanks Nathan, much appreciated

debverran.medsky.social•14 days ago

FYI if anyone has any doubts about what is needed at a time like this, then this is a must read(it is open access)- https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/s0140673625002375

germhuntermd.bsky.social•12 days ago

This was an excellent editorial

drdrstrange.bsky.social•15 days ago

Thanks for writing this ...if we r not more outraged not sure who will speak for those suffering from contagious diseases

germhuntermd.bsky.social•15 days ago

Thanks Rob. I'm hoping that if people won't reply on the listserv to give their thoughts, they will at least reply here so we have at least something to show the board

drdrstrange.bsky.social•15 days ago

when will u notify the board of your feelings? I don't pay much notice to the listserve..but would be happy to pen a formal letter to the board (not that my view carries weight with them) and likely a few ID colleagues who also ignore the list serve would cosign.

natebahrid.bsky.social•15 days ago

I don’t think the listserve is well utilized. Agree other methods likely to be more effective.

germhuntermd.bsky.social•15 days ago

The problem with individuals writing letters / emails etc is they can be swept under the rug. When things are posted publicly, others can be emboldened and build on it, and a critical mass emerges

natebahrid.bsky.social•14 days ago

True. Getting signature and posting seems like a good approach. I think you said that somewhere?

germhuntermd.bsky.social•15 days ago

I would suggest to do so as soon as possible. There is a "town hall" on Monday (although seems they are soliciting questions ahead of time and then can ignore inconvenient ones). Best IMO is to write a letter to the board, email it and also post to the listserv so others can see it & moment can grow

germhuntermd.bsky.social•15 days ago

I've already penned a couple of long posts (including 1 shown above) but doesn't seem like anyone from the board reads them. Nonetheless, if others can see that folks are dismayed, start adding their voice, and eventually there will be enough noise that it can't be ignored. My hope, anyway.

andreajzimmer.bsky.social•14 days ago

I don't know that the majority of members are getting the listserve messages; mine were in a junk folder and I only found after searching for them when a colleague mentioned the discussion. There is a town hall on Mon, hoping to hear some action plans there https://societycentral.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_QgH1ZRz7TuCPOo8Xyem5zg?t=1739027325211

germhuntermd.bsky.social•14 days ago

Another option is to write an open letter, post it online and collect signatures from IDSA members. Can probably collect a few hundred at least

illegibleprune.bsky.social•15 days ago

I was so disappointed in @idsainfo.bsky.social telling us to speak out individually. They know that 1 voice can be ignored, but 13000 can’t (as easily) - yet they dither. This group exists SOLELY to voice the needs of our patients and community. What better point to speak out about?

germhuntermd.bsky.social•15 days ago

100%
If we aren't going to use our social capital now, then what is the point?

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