Dr. Eric Payne, an esteemed pediatric neurologist with a background in public health, offers an insightful and thought-provoking critique of the public health responses to COVID-19. In this part one of a two-part conversation, he discusses how fear, media narratives, and public health policies have deeply impacted society, particularly children. Dr. Payne explores the unintended consequences of lockdowns, school closures, and mask mandates, highlighting the emotional, social, and ethical dilemmas they created. His reflections challenge mainstream perspectives, advocating for more open dialogue around these interventions, especially in the face of widespread public mistrust. This conversation invites us all to reconsider the long-term impacts of pandemic policies and opens up space for healing and understanding across diverse viewpoints.

Dr. Eric Payne is a neurologist and clinical researcher specializing in pediatric neurology, epilepsy, neuroinflammation, and neurocritical care. He previously worked as an epileptologist and pediatric neurologist at Mayo Clinic (2014-2020) and at Alberta Children’s Hospital (2020-2023).  He completed medical school and residency at the University of Calgary, and fellowship training in pediatric neurocritical care and epilepsy at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. He obtained a Master of Public Health from Harvard University and is board certified in Neurology (FRCPC) and Clinical