What They Do
An infectious disease specialist is a physician who specializes in diagnosing and managing infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, particularly complex, unusual, or difficult-to-treat infections that extend beyond what a general physician typically manages directly.
What They Treat
Infectious disease specialists manage a wide range of infections, including complicated or severe bacterial infections, infections that don't respond to initial treatment, and infections in patients with weakened immune systems, who often face a higher risk of complications from infections that might otherwise be more straightforward. They also manage chronic infections requiring long-term treatment and monitoring, and are frequently involved in guiding the appropriate use of antimicrobial medications more broadly.
Training Path
Becoming an infectious disease specialist requires completing a medical degree, followed by residency training in internal medicine, and then additional specialized fellowship training specifically in infectious disease, covering the detailed biology of various infectious organisms and the range of treatments used to address them.
When to See One
People are commonly referred to an infectious disease specialist when an infection doesn't respond to initial treatment, when a case is particularly complex or unusual, or when an infection occurs in the context of a weakened immune system that requires more specialized management. Infectious disease specialists are also often involved in managing outbreaks and in developing broader strategies for using antimicrobial medications appropriately within a healthcare setting.
Background
Infectious disease developed as a distinct medical specialty over the course of the 20th century, growing alongside the discovery of antibiotics and other antimicrobial treatments, along with a deepening understanding of microbiology. The field has remained a particularly active area of ongoing medical importance, given the continuously evolving nature of infectious organisms and the ongoing challenge of antimicrobial resistance.