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Hooked on ID with Jasmine R. Marcelin, MD
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My path to medicine began at age 8 years, after seeking career counsel from my pediatrician. During medical school, clever microorganisms and the diseases they caused fascinated me. How could these miniscule creatures bring entire populations to their knees? Inspired by stories of early pioneers like Dr. Rebecca Lancefield and Sir Alexander Fleming, the field of infectious diseases called to me. I flirted with other specialties throughout my training, but when speaking to family, friends and colleagues, it was obvious to everyone else that I was destined for infectious diseases long before I even knew what that specialty was. For my 5th grade science project, I had no interest in volcanoes or windmills. I launched a full-scale epidemiologic investigation of infectious diseases, including mosquito-borne illnesses on my island of Dominica. I assembled a panel of experts, did research and created an elaborate presentation, which won first place. The experience of learning about how these diseases affect human life and how we as humans can affect disease outcome lit a fire of excitement and passion for infectious diseases that still burns within me. Today, I find myself at the front lines of a battle to preserve our antibiotics for infections of the future. How humbling, to recognize that the work I do today honors what Sir Alexander Fleming recommended when he first discovered penicillin 90 years ago! I am also passionate about health disparities and increasing minority representation in medicine, and I am proud to be a part of a professional society that is committed to creating opportunities for diversity and inclusion among members as a means of providing care to a diverse patient population. I am proud to be a part of this group of esteemed clinicians that saves lives, cures ills and advocates fiercely for our patients.
– Jasmine R. Marcelin, MD
Assistant professor, infectious diseases
Associate medical director, antimicrobial stewardship and infection control
University of Nebraska Medical Center
Omaha, Nebraska
Member, IDSA Diversity, Inclusion & Equity Task Force
Member, SHEA Awards committee and Journal Club committee