Hooked on ID with David H. Priest, MD, MPH, FIDSA
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The wonderful thing about infectious disease medicine is how broad it is. Any part of the body can become infected. The terrible thing about infectious disease medicine is how broad it is. It seems vast and complicated.
This is the dichotomy I faced when deciding to train in our field. My medical heroes were infectious disease physicians, and I worried that I was not smart enough to do it. These medical giants were thoughtful, detail oriented and relished the thorough evaluation of patients and tough clinical problems. It seemed that they were the ultimate physicians, the kind you would want with you if stranded on a desert island.
I have never regretted my choice of specialty, which has allowed me to explore an incredible depth of human disease and a great number of career paths. I continue to provide clinical care, but I have also developed skills in infection prevention, antimicrobial stewardship, and safety and quality. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I have used the media skills I learned during fellowship from William Schaffner, MD, to help guide our health care organization and my community in pandemic decision-making. It is that intersection of knowledge and opportunity that has made all the difference.
— David H. Priest, MD, MPH, FIDSA
Senior vice president
Chief safety, quality and epidemiology officer
Novant Health Institute of Safety & Quality
Winston-Salem, North Carolina