The Division of Infectious Diseases includes physician scientists dedicated to managing a broad array of illnesses associated with infection. Our faculty members have trained in outstanding institutions including Vanderbilt, Yale, Mayo, the University of Missouri, Texas, and Kansas. Together they provide a broad range of subspecialty interests and expertise. In addition to these clinical and academic achievements, each physician demonstrates a genuine concern for all patients who come under their care and an appreciation for the unique circumstances of each individual.
The Division is directed by Dr. Daniel Hinthorn. Dr. Hinthorn has had a longstanding dedication to student and resident education, patient care and clinical research. Through his leadership the division has developed outstanding service in each of these areas. His dedication to patient and student education has been recognized through numerous awards throughout his 30 years of service at the University of Kansas. In addition to Dr. Hinthorn, our other faculty physicians are active in teaching in the basic science years of the medical school (year 1 and year 2), in the clinical years and in training interns and residents. In addition, we regularly provide topical updates at hospital grand rounds and conferences, regional meetings, local county medical societies and civic organizations.
The Division’s impact in research reflects a long commitment to unraveling the mysteries of infectious diseases. Dr. Chien Liu, founding director, and Professor Emeritus of Medicine was recruited to the University in 1958 from Harvard. Dr. Liu is recognized as the physician scientist who in 1955 isolated the organism responsible for walking pneumonia. Under his influence, the Division has remained committed to clinical research. Today, our research program remains committed to unraveling the unanswered questions in our area. Under the directorship of Dr. Lisa Clough we continue to investigate viral infections, novel antibiotics, HIV and vaccines. The Division participates in NIH and independently funded projects.
Clinically, the Division provides extensive inpatient and outpatient services. Outpatient evaluations and management recommendations cover areas such as HIV, bone and joint infections recalcitrant wounds, post surgical wounds, persistent fevers, TB and atypical mycobacterium, diseases acquired from animals, insects or ticks and epidemic diseases like measles, mumps, and influenza. Unique areas of expertise include management of hepatitis C, HIV and hepatitis co-infection, illness resulting from travel and tropical diseases and infections associated with transplantation including bone marrow, liver, kidney, pancreas, lung, and heart transplants,
The Division provides extensive hospital consultation services. Primary areas of focus include post operative infections, hospital acquired infections, bone and joint infections. recalcitrant wounds, sepsis, complex pneumonia, undiagnosed fevers and infections resulting from immune suppression such as following all types of solid organ and bone marrow transplantation or chemotherapy.
In addition, the Division provides a comprehensive outpatient antibiotic management service which facilitates early hospital discharge and completion of antibiotic therapy in the home or assisted living centers. This service is staffed by two full time nurses in addition to the Infectious Diseases physicians
Throughout all these areas of expertise, the Infectious Disease physicians at the University of Kansa strive to work closely with primary care physician. We strive to provide advice and opinion in these complex areas of medicine and offer co-management services in order to facilitate the best possible outcome for all patients. The Infectious Diseases Division remains committed to changing the face of infections in all our lives.
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The University of Kansas Medical Center