Michael S. Phillips, MD

My research focuses on identifying the patient and environmental factors which contribute to transmission of pathogens and infections.  By using techniques which sequence bacterial DNA and obtaining cultures from the environment, we are better able to identify transmission events and implement measures to reduce risk for our patients.   The combination of procedures, patient characteristics and care location (such as the intensive care unit) represents a unique risk for infection for each patient.   My undergraduate degree in materials science and engineering, time spent in the Epidemic Intelligence Service fellowship at the CDC and taking care of patients with infectious conditions gives me insight into the care of populations of patients without losing sight of the individual.    The prevention of healthcare associated infections is my passion.