Learn more about Infectious Disease Specialists
Infectious disease medicine is a subspecialty of internal medicine. Infectious disease medicine doctors specialize in preventing, diagnosing and treating infectious diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. They also have extensive knowledge in immunology, epidemiology, and infection control. Infectious disease specialists focus on the health needs of adults who require expert diagnosis or treatment of a specific infectious disease.
An infectious disease doctor typically:
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Evaluates a patient’s medical history including results from previous blood tests, X-rays, and other diagnostic tests
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Performs a physical exam
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Orders and interprets laboratory studies and prescribes medications
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Diagnoses and treats infectious diseases including post-surgical infections, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
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Teachers patients and caregivers about infectious disease prevention
Infectious disease doctors may also be known as infectious disease specialists. These specialists also conduct research at medical centers and universities around the world.
There are 11404 specialists practicing Infectious Disease Medicine in the United States with an overall average rating of 4.0 stars. There are 2369 hospitals in the United States with affiliated Infectious Disease Medicine specialists, including The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital and NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center.