I mingled with 10,000 doctors and scientists near CDC headquarters. It was like looking into a public-health crystal ball.

I mingled with 10,000 doctors and scientists near CDC headquarters. It was like looking into a public-health crystal ball.

The author at IDWeek on Atlanta, Georgia.Julia NaftulinI attended a top conference for infectious disease professionals to learn about the state of public health.Amid frustrations with funding and pay, new and seasoned attendees highlighted the importance of community.This article is part of "IDWeek," a series on one of the leading conferences for infectious-disease experts.Following a day of back-to-back lectures, I settled into my metal foldin…