Epidemiologist, North Shore University Health System, Clinical Professor, Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago
Biography
My practice and research interests have included the study of infections in the extremities of diabetic patients; investigations of antimicrobial agents in models that simulate closed space, neutropenic infections; the epidemiology of nosocomial pathogens (particularly MRSA, enterococci, MDR Gram negative bacteria, and Clostridium difficile); the development and evaluation of molecular diagnostic testing; measuring activity of new antimicrobial compounds against bacteria and fungi; and the study of the molecular mechanisms for the resistance of staphylococci to antibiotics, and pneumococci to the new fluoroquinolone antimicrobial agents. Our current research activities focus on using molecular testing methods to enhance infection control activities; understanding the regulation of antimicrobial agent resistance in staphylococci and Enterobacteriaceae; designing novel strategies for treatment of infections due to resistant bacteria; testing innovations to reduce catheter-related blood stream and urinary tract infections; and developing new diagnostic tests for rapidly detecting antibiotic resistant bacterial pathogens.