Dr Michael McGinnis is an epidemiologist, health policy expert and Leonard D. Schaeffer Executive Officer at the National Academy of Medicine. Dr. McGinnis is well regarded both for his program and policy leadership and his research and publications on population health and life expectancy. Dr. McGinnis was also the recipient of the 2018 Fries Prize for improving health. In this episode, Dr. McGinnis discusses his role leading a team that worked on eradicating smallpox, his pivotal work related to causes of death in the United States, and how he created some of the world's most influential approaches for highlighting the importance of prevention efforts to address disease threats. For more information and full episode transcription go to Contagious Conversations (www.cdcfoundation.org/conversations).   Key Takeaways: [1:30] Dr Michael McGinnis talks about his early career. [4:55] Research on population health and the root causes of mortality. [5:27] The essence of prevention. [8:16] Addressing the urgent and also what is preventable. [9:55] The causes of morbidity and mortality in 1990 vs. today. [13:11] Medical errors. [14:11] The decline of sexual behavior as a cause of mortality. [17:18] The impact of social determinants of health. [18:12] The main goals of the Healthy People process. [21:01] Celebrating the absence of disease. [22:08] Improving data systems. [23:25] Participating in the Smallpox eradication program in India. [26:45] Evolution of the practice of public health protection in the last four decades. [30:29] More work to be done. [31:39] Improving the human condition for both the population and for the individual. [32.18] What Dr. McGinnis is grateful for. [33:15] Make it easier for the right thing to happen. [33:48] Advice for future public health leaders of America.   Mentioned in This Episode: CDC Foundation Healthy People 2020 Answer this episode’s question: What are you most proud of in your career? Email your answer to info@cdcfoundation.org to win some CDC Foundation merchandise.