It is estimated that serious infectious diseases such as influenza, pneumococcal infections and hepatitis B claim the lives of more than 50,000 adults every year in the United States. Environmental conditions such as overcrowding, international travel and misuse of antibiotics have contributed to the growing complexity of infectious diseases. Existing and emerging diseases present a continuous threat to society. ID specialists develop and employ strategies to prevent and treat infectious diseases. Prevention is accomplished through environmental approaches, prophylactic antibiotics and most importantly vaccines.
Treatment involves use of specific antimicrobial agents.
ID researchers constantly search for new, more effective therapies. Because their training and experience cover a unique cross-section of medicine, ID specialists have a remarkable number of career choices. Many ID physicians elect to follow several paths during their careers, applying their knowledge and experience to new and diverse challenges. On average, ID divisions with fellowship training programs employ 11 full-time faculty. This career choice often includes a rewarding mixture of research, teaching, administration and clinical practice.