2025 KBS Lecture: Dr. Leith States — Tough Minds and Tender Hearts-Dr Leith States: Tough Minds and Tender Hearts

Video Transcription

Video Summary

Dr. Lietz States delivered the 2025 Catherine Bocu-Sturgis Lecture, sharing his journey and insights in preventive medicine and public health. Starting from humble beginnings in Long Beach and inspired by personal loss, he chose medicine over seminary, motivated by service. His military career as a Navy medical officer, including frontline experiences with Marines, shaped his understanding of healthcare delivery under pressure and the necessity of adaptable leadership. He highlighted critical lessons learned about change and responsibility in high-stakes environments.<br /><br />Dr. States recounted practical public health work, such as managing a tuberculosis case aboard a Navy ship, emphasizing evidence-based, measured responses over reactionary mass testing. He discussed his roles in the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), focusing on initiatives like the End the HIV Epidemic Initiative, illustrating the importance of political collaboration and community engagement to achieve public health goals despite funding challenges.<br /><br />His talk explored evolving federal approaches to substances like cannabis and psychedelics, emphasizing the complexities of regulatory processes and the need for balanced, evidence-informed policies that prioritize safety, equity, and public health. Dr. States concluded by reflecting on the moral responsibilities of public health officials, urging professionals to embrace change, speak truth, and serve communities with empathy and courage—embodying the Public Health Service’s motto, "In the service of health."

Asset Subtitle

2025 Katharine Boucot Sturgis Lecture

Keywords

ACPM Annual Meeting 2025

Seattle

Dr. Mirza Rahman

American College of Preventive Medicine

preventive medicine

Moving the Needle

public health

conference

diverse audience

respectful discourse

leadership

Ardmore Institute of Health

environmental health

global health

healthcare landscape

Military Medicine

Tuberculosis Management

End the HIV Epidemic Initiative

Cannabis and Psychedelic Regulation

Public Health Leadership