Epidemic with Dr. Celine Gounder: S1E38 / Shoe-Leather Epidemiology / Jay Varma, Kimberly Joceyln, Maryama Diaw

Shoe-Leather Epidemiology: The Human Side of Contact Tracing in NYC

On this deeply human episode of Epidemic, Dr. Jay Varma joins hosts Dr. Celine Gounder and Ronald Klain to discuss New York City’s massive contact tracing program at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The episode centers around the real-world challenges of public health efforts—specifically, how contact tracing works not just in theory, but in practice.

Contact tracers Kimberly Jocelyn and Maryama Diaw share their personal stories and motivations, describing the delicate, sometimes emotional conversations they have with people who may have been exposed to COVID-19. Dr. Varma explains the science behind contact tracing, how it helps control outbreaks, and the logistical hurdles of scaling the operation in a city as complex as New York.

This episode underscores the essential role of empathy and trust in public health, especially during crises.

“I Possibly Helped Save a Life” — The People Behind the Protocol

For all the models and algorithms used in pandemic planning, it’s the on-the-ground people who bring public health to life. This episode introduces listeners to contact tracers Kimberly Jocelyn and Maryama Diaw, who describe the reality of making those tough phone calls—informing someone they may have been exposed to a deadly virus, and encouraging them to isolate to protect others.

These conversations aren’t scripted, and they’re often emotionally charged.

“I literally love my job,” says Kimberly. “I wake up every day knowing that I might help save a life.”

Their voices represent a quiet heroism behind the scenes: compassionate, tireless, and deeply personal.

Dr. Jay Varma: The Science Behind the Outreach

Dr. Jay Varma provides a technical and strategic lens, explaining how contact tracing functions at scale in a metropolis like New York. He describes the process:

1. Case detection through testing
2. Identification of close contacts
3. Outreach to those contacts to isolate or get tested
4. Support services (e.g., food, housing, mental health) to enable compliance

But the biggest takeaway? Technology is only as effective as the trust people have in the system.

“Public health doesn’t work without people trusting that you care,” Varma says. “That you’re not blaming them. That you’re trying to help.”

Reopening NYC: A Test of Community and Infrastructure

At the time of recording, New York was cautiously reopening after a brutal first wave. The city launched one of the largest contact tracing programs in the country, hiring thousands to quickly respond to every new case.

Dr. Varma emphasizes that this system is only effective when:

• The public participates willingly
• The city provides wraparound services for people asked to isolate
• Data systems are streamlined to respond in real time

This episode highlights the balance between science, policy, and human interaction, stressing that shoe-leather epidemiology—the hands-on, person-to-person work—remains vital, even in the age of digital tools.

🎧 Podcast: Shoe-Leather Epidemiology – Epidemic Podcast, Episode 38