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Let's Talk Micro

Let's Talk Micro

By: Luis Plaza
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Clinical microbiology explained in simple terms, suitable for students and microbiologists alike. We discuss organisms, reactions, infectious diseases, and more. Hosted by Luis Plaza, a Medical Laboratory Scientist and microbiologist, who also shares his experiences in the field.Luis Plaza 2021-2025 Biological Sciences Science
Episodes
  • 243: When AI Meets Medicine
    Sep 10 2026

    Artificial intelligence is changing how healthcare professionals access and use clinical information. But what does that look like at the point of care?

    In this episode of Let's Talk Micro, Luis is joined by Dr. Declan Kelly, physician, software engineer, and founder of Eolas Medical, to discuss the role of AI in clinical decision support. Dr. Kelly shares how challenges accessing institutional guidelines and clinical knowledge led to the development of Eolas Medical and how AI can help healthcare professionals find the information they need when making clinical decisions.

    The conversation explores the importance of local guidelines, the connection between the clinical microbiology laboratory and antimicrobial stewardship, and how AI can help bridge the gap between laboratory data, institutional knowledge, and patient care. They also discuss evidence supporting these technologies, concerns surrounding AI hallucinations and clinical safety, and how clinical decision support may evolve in the years ahead.

    Tune in to learn how AI is changing the way clinical knowledge is accessed and what that could mean for the future of healthcare.

    This episode is brought to you in collaboration with Eolas Medical.

    Eolas Medical is a clinical knowledge platform founded by physician Dr. Declan Kelly, who saw firsthand how hard it can be to find trusted guidance at the point of care. Using AI grounded exclusively in an organization's own approved protocols and guidelines, Eolas gives clinicians fast, accurate answers instead of generic search results. It is used across 90% of acute NHS trusts and 600+ sites globally, including Stanford and Mass General Brigham. For antimicrobial stewardship, a peer-reviewed study published in Nature Portfolio's npj Antimicrobials and Resistance found prescribing accuracy improved from 47% to 100% with Ask Eolas at the point of care.

    Resources

    Eolas Medical: https://www.eolasmedical.com/

    Study — Enhancing quality of antimicrobial prescribing through 'Ask Eolas' (language model): a user-testing and simulation evaluation:
    https://www.nature.com/articles/s44259-026-00187-7

    Summary of study: Eolas Medical — Summary of the study and implications for antimicrobial stewardship

    Stay connected with Let's Talk Micro:

    • Website: letstalkmicro.com

    • Questions or feedback? Email me at letstalkmicro@outlook.com

    • Interested in being a guest on Let's Talk Micro? Fill out the form here: https://forms.gle/V2fT3asjfyusmqyi8

    Support the podcast:

    • Venmo

    • Buy me a Ko-fi

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    46 mins
  • 242: Microbiology & Infection Prevention: Partners in Crime
    Sep 3 2026

    Let's Talk Micro is back for a new season! In this season premiere, Luis is joined by Dr. Megan Amerson-Brown to discuss the important connection between clinical microbiology and infection prevention.

    Dr. Amerson-Brown shares her career journey from the microbiology bench to infection prevention and ultimately laboratory leadership. She discusses how microbiologists contribute to infection prevention through surveillance, diagnostic stewardship, outbreak investigations, and collaboration with infection prevention teams.

    The conversation also explores how laboratorians can become more involved in infection prevention while remaining in the laboratory, resources and certifications for those interested in the field, the importance of mentorship, and potential career pathways for microbiologists considering a transition into infection prevention.

    Tune in to the season premiere and learn more about the role microbiologists play in infection prevention and the opportunities available both at and beyond the bench.

    Additional Resources
    • a-IPC™ (Associate – Infection Prevention and Control) Examination — Information about the entry-level infection prevention and control certification discussed during the episode.

    • CIC® (Certification in Infection Control and Epidemiology) Examination — Information about the CIC certification examination.

    • APIC – Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology — Education, career development, and other resources for infection prevention professionals.

    Stay connected with Let's Talk Micro:

    • Website: letstalkmicro.com

    • Questions or feedback? Email me at letstalkmicro@outlook.com

    • Interested in being a guest on Let's Talk Micro? Fill out the form here: https://forms.gle/V2fT3asjfyusmqyi8

    Support the podcast:

    • Venmo

    • Buy me a Ko-fi

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr
  • 241: What Can Whole Genome Sequencing Realistically Tell Us About Resistance?
    Jul 2 2026

    Recorded live at ASM Microbe 2026 in Washington, DC, this special episode marks the first live recording of Let's Talk Micro. Joining me are co-host Dr. Andrea Prinzi and guest Dr. Nathan Ledeboer for a discussion on the evolving role of whole genome sequencing (WGS) in clinical microbiology and antimicrobial resistance.

    Can whole genome sequencing predict antimicrobial susceptibility? What are its current limitations? How close are we to incorporating WGS into routine clinical microbiology laboratories? Throughout the conversation, we explore the opportunities and challenges of implementing sequencing technologies, including bioinformatics, workflow, reimbursement, and the need for continued collaboration between microbiologists, infectious diseases specialists, pharmacists, and antimicrobial stewardship teams.

    We also discuss how WGS may transform outbreak investigations, epidemiologic surveillance, and the future role of the clinical microbiologist as advanced diagnostics become increasingly integrated into patient care.

    Whether you're a bench microbiologist, laboratory leader, infectious diseases professional, or student, this episode offers an exciting look at where clinical microbiology is headed and what whole genome sequencing can realistically tell us about antimicrobial resistance.

    Stay connected with Let's Talk Micro:

    • Website: letstalkmicro.com

    • Questions or feedback? Email me at letstalkmicro@outlook.com

    • Interested in being a guest on Let's Talk Micro? Fill out the form here: https://forms.gle/V2fT3asjfyusmqyi8

    Support the podcast:

    • Venmo

    • Buy me a Ko-fi

    Show More Show Less
    35 mins
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