By David Banach of Woodbridge

When most people think of infectious disease prevention, they often picture hospital rooms, isolation protocols, and teams of healthcare workers in protective gear. And while hospitals play a critical role in responding to outbreaks, true prevention must begin well before a patient walks through the doors. As a physician and public health leader, I’ve seen firsthand that collaboration between healthcare systems and public health agencies is key to protecting our communities from the next outbreak.

The COVID-19 pandemic made one thing clear: healthcare and public health are deeply interconnected. The ability to track, respond to, and prevent infectious disease threats doesn’t reside in one institution alone—it requires broad partnerships that span sectors, geographies, and systems. Moving forward, we must strengthen these connections to be ready for whatever comes next.

Early Detection Starts in the Community

Outbreaks don’t begin in hospitals—they begin in communities. Whether it’s a new respiratory virus, a foodborne illness, or a re-emerging disease like measles, the first signs of trouble often surface in local clinics, schools, shelters, or even among people who don’t seek care right away. That’s why it’s so important to have strong public health surveillance systems that include local voices.

Hospitals and physicians need to work hand-in-hand with local public health departments to share information in real time. This could mean flagging unusual patterns of illness, reporting antibiotic-resistant infections, or partnering on community vaccination efforts. Technology can support this by connecting data systems and streamlining communication—but relationships must come first.

When public health agencies and hospitals build trust and maintain open lines of communication, they can respond quickly and efficiently to emerging threats. We saw this during the early phases of COVID-19, when rapid coordination between state leaders, academic medical centers, and public health officials helped shape a more informed response.

Shared Goals and Clear Roles

To prevent the next outbreak, we must align healthcare and public health around shared goals. Both sectors ultimately want the same outcome: to protect health, prevent suffering, and save lives. But the methods and tools we use can differ.

Hospitals are equipped for diagnosis, treatment, and containment. Public health, on the other hand, focuses on population-level prevention, education, and outreach. Each plays a vital role. The key is understanding where responsibilities overlap and how to support each other without duplicating efforts or letting gaps emerge.

For example, during vaccination campaigns, public health may lead outreach and education, while hospitals and clinics administer vaccines. During outbreaks, public health tracks the spread, and hospitals care for the sick. When both sides collaborate with clear roles and a mutual respect for each other’s expertise, the response is stronger and more coordinated.

Community Engagement is Essential

One of the most important lessons we’ve learned from recent health crises is that community engagement is not optional—it’s essential. If people don’t trust the message, they won’t follow the guidance. That’s why healthcare professionals must work alongside public health leaders to engage directly with communities, especially those who have been historically underserved or mistrustful of medical systems.

In my work, I’ve seen the power of community partnerships in reaching people where they are. Whether it’s through faith-based organizations, shelters, local nonprofits, or schools, community-based organizations are trusted messengers. When hospitals and public health teams collaborate with these groups, they can extend their reach, tailor messages to local needs, and build lasting relationships that pay off long after the crisis ends.

Preparing for the Next Threat

It’s not a matter of if we’ll face another infectious disease threat—it’s a matter of when. That’s why preparation is so critical. Public health partnerships can help hospitals plan for surges, secure critical supplies, and train staff for emergency scenarios.

Joint exercises, shared protocols, and coordinated education programs can improve readiness. But preparation also means investing in systems and relationships before an outbreak. The time to build bridges between healthcare and public health isn’t during a crisis—it’s now.

One area of opportunity is enhancing antimicrobial stewardship across settings. Hospitals and public health departments can work together to monitor resistance patterns, educate providers on responsible prescribing, and promote infection prevention practices in nursing homes, schools, and outpatient clinics. These efforts help reduce the risk of hard-to-treat infections gaining ground in our communities.

Physicians as Public Health Leaders

As physicians, we often find ourselves straddling the line between individual care and population health. It’s a role that gives us a unique vantage point—and a unique responsibility. By partnering with public health colleagues, we can serve as trusted messengers, clinical advisors, and advocates for prevention.

In my own experience, I’ve served on state committees, provided public guidance during outbreaks, and helped shape infection control strategies that reach beyond hospital walls. These roles have shown me that our voices matter—not just in the exam room, but in town halls, advisory boards, and community meetings.

When physicians step into public health conversations, we bridge a gap that too often remains unfilled. We bring the stories of patients, the insights from the frontlines, and the credibility to foster trust and drive action.

A Shared Responsibility

Preventing the next infectious disease outbreak is not the responsibility of any one group. It’s a shared mission—one that requires public health departments, hospitals, physicians, and communities to come together.

By building strong partnerships, sharing data, engaging communities, and planning ahead, we can shift from reacting to preventing. We can stop the next outbreak before it starts—not just within hospital walls, but far beyond them.

And in doing so, we create a safer, healthier future for everyone.