Fredricks elected to infectious diseases society

The Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division’s Dr. David Fredricks was recently elected as a fellow of the Infectious Diseases Society of America.

Fredricks is an infectious disease expert who develops and uses molecular diagnostic tests for the detection and identification of microbial pathogens, including bacteria that are difficult to culture in the laboratory. He researches the vaginal microbiota, especially the bacteria associated with bacterial vaginosis.

Fellowship in IDSA honors individuals who have achieved professional excellence and provided significant service to the profession. “These fellows are recognized by their colleagues as leaders in infectious diseases in their communities, in their hospitals, and in their research labs,” said IDSA President Dr. James Hughes. “Fellowships are IDSA’s way of recognizing the top physicians, scientists and researchers in our field.”

Fellows must be nominated by their peers and must meet specified criteria, including continuing identification with the field of infectious diseases, national or local recognition, and publication of their work.

IDSA is an organization of physicians, scientists, and other health care professionals dedicated to promoting health through excellence in infectious diseases research, education, prevention and patient care. The Arlington, Va.-based group, founded in 1963, has more than 9,000 members.

[Adapted from an IDSA news release]