Description

Join us for an informative and engaging session exploring the latest developments in infectious diseases and prevention. We’ll dive into current statewide trends and discuss how evolving clinical and public-health guidance is shaping care. The webinar will also tackle some of the most persistent health myths, especially those involving vaccine ingredients, and share practical communication strategies to counter misinformation.

Learning Objectives

1. Identify and explain current trends in infectious diseases across the state, including notable outbreaks, shifting epidemiology, and updates to clinical or public-health guidance.
2. Recognize common forms of health misinformation, particularly regarding vaccine ingredients.
3. Discuss cancer prevention related to infectious pathogens, including screening, vaccination, and risk-reduction strategies.

Speakers

Nathan Boonstra, MD

Dr. Boonstra is a board-certified general pediatrician passionate about educating families about public health and safety, with a particular focus on childhood immunizations. He is committed to helping parents make informed decisions grounded in sound science and practical guidance. Through social media, he advocates for children’s health, shares accurate, relevant public health information, and engages the community to raise awareness of important, often overlooked pediatric issues. Dr. Boonstra earned his medical degree from the University of Iowa. He completed his pediatric residency at Blank Children's Hospital, where he built a strong foundation in comprehensive, family-centered pediatric care. He is board-certified in Pediatrics by the American Board of Pediatrics. In recognition of his leadership in immunization advocacy, Dr. Boonstra was named an “HPV Vaccine is Cancer Prevention Champion,” in honor of his outstanding efforts to protect adolescents from HPV-related cancers.

Ashlesha Kaushik, MD, FAAP

Dr. Kaushik is an American Board-certified Pediatric Infectious Diseases Physician in the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at UnityPoint Health, Sioux City, Iowa, United States. She was the Former Chief, Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine, Sanford Children’s Specialty Clinic and Hospital, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, United States. Dr. Kaushik pursued her Clinical and Research Fellowship in Pediatric Infectious Diseases from the prestigious University of Texas Southwestern, Children’s Medical Center of Dallas, Dallas, Texas, United States. She is Certified in Healthcare Epidemiology, Infection Control and Antimicrobial Stewardship, by the Society of Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA), Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA). She earned her MD degree in Pediatrics from St. Joseph's Children's Hospital (Mount Sinai School of Medicine) in 2011. Prior to this, she received her postgraduate degree in Pediatrics from Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) - one of the apex medical institutes in India.

Joel Waddell, DO, FAAP

Dr. Waddell is a board-certified pediatric infectious diseases specialist with UnityPoint Health. He earned his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from Des Moines University. Dr. Waddell completed his pediatric residency at the University of Kansas, where he developed a strong foundation in comprehensive pediatric care. He then pursued fellowship training in Pediatric Infectious Diseases through the University of Missouri–Kansas City in partnership with Children's Mercy Hospital, gaining advanced expertise in the diagnosis and management of complex infectious conditions in infants, children, and adolescents. Dr. Waddell is board-certified in Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Pediatrics by the American Board of Pediatrics.