Lara Danziger-Isakov, MD, MPH
Specialty:
Pediatric Infectious Diseases with a focus on immunocompromised hosts
Graduated From:
Medical School – Case Western Reserve University, Residency – Cleveland Clinic, Fellowship – St. Louis Children’s Hospital/Washington University
Current Position:
Professor of Pediatrics, Director of Immunocompromised Host Infectious Diseases, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center
Current Projects:
I am involved with many projects including assessment of B-cell induction therapy on the outcome in pediatric lung transplantation, comparative effectiveness of the duration of CMV prophylaxis after pediatric liver transplantation, epidemiology of viral infections in SOT and HSCT, influenza and live-viral vaccination studies after pediatric transplantation.
What made you decide to work in transplantation?:
I was drawn to transplantation after a patient interaction very early in my residency that sparked my interest in the intersection among the host, graft, and pathogen which has been the foundation of my research interest. Clinically, I enjoy working with patients and families over the arc of their transplant journey to identify and mitigate risk so that they can live their best lives.
What do you find to be the most valuable aspect of your work?:
This is a difficult question because there are so many aspects of my work that I value: clinical care; education of patients, families, students, and colleagues; developing research questions, engaging in clinical trials, and sharing our data.
How have you served AST?:
AST has provided invaluable connection to the transplant community through education, networking, and research. I am currently the Chair of the Infectious Disease Community of Practice, and the enthusiasm and efforts by the ID COP to improve patient care, education, and expand our knowledge continually inspire me. Additionally, the collaborative spirit within AST that brings together committees and the variety of COPs across disciplines creates a place for us to optimize our opportunity for impact.
Fun Facts:
I love tennis – but my racquet skills leave much to be desired and my kids never let me live that down.