This episode traces Dr Andy Hogan’s path into immunology, from a childhood curiosity to a career exploring how the immune system shapes our health. Growing up in a challenging environment, the Access Programme gave him a route into higher education - highlighting the impact of support and opportunity.

Alongside his story, Andy explains the immune system not just as a defence against illness, but as something deeply involved in everyday health. He explores how obesity, ageing, and chronic inflammation affect immune function, and how these links connect to conditions like diabetes, cancer, and infection.

There’s also reflection on COVID-19, vaccines, and the future of medicine - from why pandemics were expected to how immunity develops over time. It’s a conversation that blends scientific insight with real-world impact.

A single opportunity can reshape a future

The Access Programme gave Andy a pathway into higher education.

A childhood moment led to a scientific career

Early curiosity about genetics sparked a lifelong interest in biology.

The immune system shapes everyday health

It regulates metabolism, tissue health, and overall balance - not just infection.

Obesity and immune ageing are linked

Obesity can accelerate immune decline and affect disease response.

COVID-19 exposed immune vulnerabilities

The pandemic showed how differently populations respond to new threats.

Medical research is opening new possibilities

Immunology is unlocking new treatments for complex diseases.

Vaccines protect communities, not just individuals

They play a key role in protecting the most vulnerable.

• Access Programme – Supports students from underrepresented backgrounds into higher education.
• Donal O’Shea – Endocrinologist focused on obesity and metabolic health.
• Fiona Walsh – Researcher in antibiotic resistance and global health.
• GLP-1 medications – Drugs that regulate appetite and blood sugar.
• NK cells & macrophages – Immune cells that destroy threats and clear debris.
• CAR-T therapy & CRISPR – Technologies advancing cancer treatment and gene editing.
• HPV – Virus linked to several cancers; preventable through vaccination.
• Spanish flu, SARS, MERS, H1N1 – Major outbreaks shaping our understanding of pandemics.

00:00 – Andy’s work in immunology

01:30 – Obesity and immune health

02:30 – GLP-1 therapies

04:00 – Early life and biology

06:00 – Access Programme

10:30 – Finding immunology

14:30 – Immune system basics

18:30 – COVID-19 insights

21:00 – Age and immune response

24:00 – Vaccines

28:00 – Future of medicine

Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.

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