Featured Researcher: Scott Fridkin

Scott Fridkin, MD (Infectious Diseases) 

What is your professional background?
After medical school, I trained as an epidemic intelligence officer at the CDC in the hospital’s infectious diseases program. I worked on hospital outbreaks for two years before performing an infectious diseases fellowship at Rush Presbyterian St. Luke’s Medical Center and Massachusetts General Hospital. After my fellowship, I returned to the CDC as a staff epidemiologist, developing and promoting programs to better understand and prevent antibiotic-resistant infections across the spectrum of health care settings.

In what division do you work, and who is your mentor?
I currently split my time between the Emory Division of Infectious Diseases and the Rollins School of Public Health, working closely with Drs. Monica Farley, Jay Steinberg, and Jesse Jacobs.

Briefly describe your research. Why is it important?
I am working toward developing a research platform to test methods aimed at improving antibiotic-prescribing practices within and between Emory Healthcare hospital-based providers. I believe we can identify and test methods to improve prescription practices and to avoid giving unnecessary antibiotics to patients for whom they may no longer be necessary. This research integrates advanced electronic health records with improved decision-support systems. In addition, Emory patients move between and through many health care settings in and around the Atlanta area. I am poised to investigate how action linked to these patients can help prevent the spread of antibiotic resistant infections across the region.

What do you like most about Emory?
I enjoy the incredible freedom and interest in collaboration across Emory’s divisions and schools.

What is your favorite movie or TV show?
Whatever show my kids will watch with me.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
Swimming and tennis are my personal favorites. I also enjoy playing cribbage with friends.

 

Related Links

• Nominate a Featured Researcher
• Emory Department of Medicine Research Newsletter (“What’s Up”)
• Emory Department of Medicine – Office of Research
• Emory University Department of Medicine

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