Hooked on ID with Rachael A. Lee, MD, MSPH
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As the product of two hard-working academic physicians, I have never been without incredible examples of leaders in the field of medicine.
Their dedication to their patients, the health care system and research inspired me to choose a similar career path. I have been lucky to be trained by some of the giants in the field of ID, from HIV to sexually transmitted infections to medical mycoses. But it was during my ID fellowship that I first heard of the field of infection prevention as my mentor, Bernard Camins, MD, joined the faculty. I enjoyed learning not only how microorganisms invade and cause disease, but also how to treat with a variety of antimicrobial medications (I like to consider myself an ID pharmacist “wannabe”). In health care epidemiology, I can apply my knowledge of infectious diseases to prevent the spread of infections to some of our most vulnerable patients.
The most rewarding aspects of my job are the lifelong learning opportunities. Infectious diseases are constantly evolving, with new pathogens emerging and existing pathogens adapting to changing environments. As the COVID-19 pandemic hit the United States, I worked closely with a variety of leaders at my hospital to develop policies and procedures to ensure the safety and well-being of patients, visitors and health care workers. The field of ID requires me to stay up to date with the latest research, which keeps me engaged and challenged in all aspects of my job.
— Rachael A. Lee, MD, MSPH
Associate professor of infectious diseases
University of Alabama at Birmingham