Joe Palca is a science correspondent for NPR. Since joining NPR in 1992, Palca has covered a range of science topics — everything from biomedical research to astronomy. He is currently focused on the eponymous series, "Joe's Big Idea." Stories in the series explore the minds and motivations of scientists and inventors. Palca is also the founder of NPR Scicommers – A science communication collective.
Susan Monarez, the ousted director of the CDC, testified on Capitol Hill Wednesday that the health secretary pressured her to rubber stamp vaccine policies without reviewing scientific evidence.
NPR speaks with Debra Houry, the CDC's former chief medical officer, about her decision to leave her post and her concerns over Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s vaccine decisions.