David Higgins, MD, MPH

Public health, vaccines, and evidence-based science communication

I’m a practicing pediatrician and public health physician who writes and speaks about how medicine and public health are actually practiced.

My work spans prevention, vaccines, and public health policy, focusing on how evidence, trust, and real-world decisions shape care. I write and speak from the vantage point of someone who sees how public health decisions actually land in exam rooms, clinics, and communities.

Evidence matters, but how it’s used in the real world matters just as much.

Much of my work happens through writing for clinicians, journalists, and the public.

Writing

I write about vaccines, public health, and trust in medicine, with an emphasis on translating complex evidence into real-world decisions.

Selected writing:
• Community Immunity: Susbtack on vaccines, policy, and trust
• The Conversation: translating medical evidence
• MedPage Today: federal vaccine policy for clinicians
• Healthychildren.org: prevention guidance for families
• AAP News: practical tips for clinicians

That work is frequently cited and featured in national and regional media.

In the news

I regularly provide expert analysis on vaccines, public health, and health policy for national and regional media, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, CNN, NPR, and The Denver Post.

Selected media coverage:
• New York Times: vaccines and public trust
• Washington Post: vaccine policy in practice
• Wall Street Journal: public health policy
• NPR/CPR: local community impact

Beyond individual articles, I work at the intersection of evidence, communication, and public understanding.

Science communication

I specialize in explaining complex science clearly for clinicians, policymakers, journalists, and the public.

• Plain-language explainers for clinicians and care teams
• Context and background briefings for journalists
• Evidence-based public communication on vaccines and public health

This perspective is grounded in real-world public health practice and policy work.

Public health & policy

I analyze and study how public health and vaccine policy decisions affect access, trust, and real-world care delivery.

This work focuses on:
• Trust, transparency, and public confidence
• Vaccine safety systems and immunization policy
• Federal and state decision-making processes
• Downstream effects of policy on communities

I also bring this work directly to audiences navigating high-stakes medical and public health decisions.

Speaking

I speak to clinicians, public health leaders, and policymakers about navigating evidence, uncertainty, and trust in real-world decision-making.

Available for invited talks, panels, and moderated discussions with clinical, public health, and policy audiences. Get in touch → ✉️

As a practicing pediatrician, public health physician, and parent, I bring a practical, evidence-based perspective to medicine and public health.

Community Immunity

A newsletter on vaccines, public health, and policy. Clear science and meaningful conversations for professionals, policymakers, and anyone who wants to stay informed.

For writing, media, speaking, or collaboration inquiries: [email protected]