Division of Infectious Diseases

Thanks and Gratitude

This time of year is a time for reflection, gratitude, and appreciation of the blessings we have, and we are grateful for the opportunity to share our thanks from all of us at UNMC ID. 

We want to thank our interim Department Chair Dr. Mark Rupp and Division Chief Dr. David Warren for their ongoing support and encouragement for all of the ID division member activities, including this work on Digital Innovation & Social Media Strategy

We want to thank our faculty, fellows, residents, students and advanced practitioners for their tireless work countless hours taking care of our patients in the hospital and in our clinics

We want to thank our ID pharmacists who have been instrumental in getting key initiatives off the ground, helping us with navigating tough clinical cases, developing our institutional guidelines, and troubleshooting through crises like antibiotic shortages, and continuing our status as an Antimicrobial Stewardship Center for Excellence

We want to thank our Microbiology lab colleagues for their constant partnership and support through routine ID needs, lab updates and renovations, and dealing with crises like blood culture bottle shortages

We want to thank our Public Health partners for their collaboration on efforts to reduce antibiotic resistance across the state and maintain excellence in biopreparedness

We want to thank our ID nurses and clinical staff who have been the glue that keeps our clinics working

We want to thank our clinical colleagues in the hospitals and outpatient settings who trust us daily to consult on their patients and provide extraordinary care

We want to thank our division/clinic administrators and administrative assistants for keeping the nonclinical work on track, and generally keeping us afloat

We want to thank our trainees for allowing us the privilege of teaching them this, and every year

We want to thank our statisticians and research assistants for working so closely with us on research that has brought us again to be the 2nd most productive division in the department of Internal Medicine at UNMC

We want to thank our patients in the hospitals and clinics for the privilege to treat them and in most cases, journey with them to complete resolution of their illnesses.

We want to thank our families and friends who have supported all of us in our health careers

We want to thank all of our blog subscribers, those who forward our blog on to others, support and share our content.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, and keep following us for more amazing work in the future!


 

Antibiotic Awareness Week Call To Action: Our Role in Preserving Antibiotics for the Future

Why This Matters

Antibiotics are one of the most powerful tools in modern medicine, but their effectiveness is under threat. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is rising globally, and without urgent action, common infections and routine procedures could become life-threatening. Clinicians are uniquely positioned to lead the fight against AMR, not only through prescribing decisions but also through advocacy, education, and system-level change.

Beyond Prescribing: Expanding Your Impact

Stewardship is more than choosing the right antibiotic. It involves shaping a culture of responsible use across healthcare and the community. Here’s how clinicians can make a lasting impact:

  1. Mentor and Educate
    • Teach trainees and colleagues about stewardship principles.
    • Incorporate AMR topics into grand rounds and continuing education sessions.
  2. Advocate for Policy and Resources
    • Support institutional investment in stewardship programs.
    • Engage in local and national advocacy for AMR research funding and access to diagnostics.
  3. Participate in Stewardship Committees
    • Collaborate with pharmacists, infection preventionists, and microbiologists.
    • Help develop protocols for antibiotic time-outs, IV-to-oral switches, and formulary restrictions.
  4. Leverage Data
    • Use prescribing dashboards to monitor trends.
    • Share feedback with peers to improve practice patterns.

Patient Education: A Critical Piece

We can change the narrative and belief that antibiotics are a cure-all treatment for any ailment.

  • Sample Script:

“Antibiotics are powerful medicines, but they only work for bacterial infections. Taking them when they’re not needed can make future infections harder to treat. Let’s focus on what will help you feel better.”

  • Provide clear instructions for symptom relief and when to return for care.
  • Share resources like CDC Antibiotic Use and Symptom Relief Guide.

Check out some scholarly activity from our UNMC ID team on strategies for leading the way in antimicrobial stewardship:

Key Takeaways

  • Stewardship is a professional responsibility that extends beyond prescribing.
  • Clinicians can lead through education, advocacy, and system-level interventions.
  • Every conversation with a patient is an opportunity to promote responsible antibiotic use.

Call to Action:
Join the movement during U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week. Share your commitment using #USAAW25 and #AntibioticsAware, and explore resources at CDC Antibiotic Awareness Toolkit.


 

Antibiotic Awareness Week: Advancing Health Equity in Antimicrobial Stewardship

Why Equity Matters in Stewardship

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health crisis, but its impact is not evenly distributed. Vulnerable populations, especially those with limited access to healthcare, marginalized communities, and patients in resource-limited settings, face disproportionate risks. These disparities stem from systemic barriers, including unequal access to diagnostics, inconsistent prescribing practices, and language or literacy challenges.

Research shows that racial and socioeconomic differences influence antibiotic prescribing patterns, often driven by implicit bias or structural inequities. For example, some groups may receive antibiotics unnecessarily, while others experience delays in appropriate therapy. Both scenarios increase AMR risk and worsen health outcomes.

Clinician Action Steps

  1. Audit Prescribing Patterns for Equity
    Regularly review antibiotic use data by race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. Identify trends and address gaps through education and policy changes.
  2. Improve Access to Diagnostics
    Advocate for point-of-care testing in safety-net clinics and rural settings. Accurate diagnosis reduces unnecessary antibiotic use and ensures timely treatment for bacterial infections.
  3. Use Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Materials
    Provide patient education in multiple languages and formats. The CDC Health Literacy Resources offer tools for creating clear, accessible instructions.
  4. Engage Community Health Workers
    Community-based outreach can bridge gaps in understanding and adherence, especially in populations with limited health literacy.

Why This Matters for Clinicians

Embedding equity into stewardship is not just ethical, it’s essential for effectiveness. When patients lack access to care or clear instructions, antibiotics are misused, resistance spreads, and outcomes worsen. By addressing these gaps, clinicians help ensure stewardship benefits all patients, not just those with resources.

Key Takeaways:

  • AMR disproportionately affects underserved populations.
  • Equity-focused stewardship improves outcomes and reduces resistance.
  • Clinicians can lead by auditing prescribing patterns, improving access, and tailoring education.

Resources


 

Antibiotic Awareness Week: What Clinicians Should Know about AMR in Our Environment

The Hidden Role of the Environment in Antimicrobial Resistance

When we think about antimicrobial resistance (AMR), we often picture hospitals and clinics. But the environment—our water systems, soil, and even hospital wastewater—plays a critical role in spreading resistant organisms. Antibiotics and resistant bacteria can enter the environment through pharmaceutical manufacturing, agricultural runoff, and improper disposal of medications. These residues create reservoirs where resistance genes thrive and spread. Recent studies have detected multidrug-resistant organisms in hospital effluent and community wastewater, highlighting the need for environmental stewardship alongside clinical interventions (WHO Environmental AMR Report).

Why This Matters for Clinicians

  • Resistant organisms in wastewater can re-enter healthcare settings through water systems or community exposure.
  • Environmental contamination accelerates global AMR spread, impacting infection control efforts.
  • Clinicians can influence institutional policies on waste management and antibiotic disposal.

Practical Steps for Clinicians

  1. Promote Proper Disposal of Antibiotics
    • Encourage patients to use pharmacy take-back programs.
    • Advocate for hospital protocols that prevent flushing antibiotics into wastewater.
  2. Collaborate with Infection Prevention Teams
    • Ensure environmental cleaning protocols are robust.
    • Support monitoring of hospital wastewater for resistant organisms.
  3. Educate Patients and Staff
    • Share why environmental stewardship matters for public health.
    • Provide clear instructions for safe medication disposal.

Patient Education Tip

“Never flush antibiotics down the toilet or throw them in the trash. Bring unused medications to a pharmacy take-back program to keep our water and soil safe.”

Provide patients with local take-back program information or direct them to FDA Safe Disposal Guidelines.

Key Takeaways

  • AMR is not just a clinical issue—it’s an environmental one.
  • Resistant organisms in wastewater and soil can perpetuate the cycle of resistance.
  • Clinicians can lead by promoting proper disposal, supporting infection prevention, and educating patients.

Resource for Clinicians:


 

Antibiotic Awareness Week: Collaborating Across Sectors to Combat AMR

Why Collaboration Matters

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is not confined to hospitals or clinics—it spans human health, animal health, and the environment. Resistant bacteria can move between people, animals, and ecosystems, making AMR a One Health issue. For clinicians, this means stewardship efforts must extend beyond prescribing practices to include partnerships across sectors. The One Health approach, endorsed by the CDC and WHO, emphasizes collaboration among physicians, veterinarians, pharmacists, environmental scientists, and public health professionals. This integrated strategy is essential to slow the spread of resistance globally.

How Clinicians Can Engage

  1. Partner with Pharmacists and Infection Preventionists
    • Work together to implement stewardship protocols in inpatient and outpatient settings.
    • Share prescribing data and resistance trends to guide formulary decisions.
  2. Collaborate with Veterinarians and Public Health Agencies
    • Advocate for judicious antibiotic use in agriculture and companion animals.
    • Participate in local AMR task forces or advisory boards.
  3. Support Community Education
    • Join outreach programs that teach families about safe food handling and the dangers of unnecessary antibiotics.
    • Provide culturally appropriate materials for diverse populations.

Resources for Clinicians

Key Takeaways

  • AMR is a shared problem requiring shared solutions.
  • Clinicians can lead by building bridges across human, animal, and environmental health.
  • Collaboration amplifies stewardship impact and protects antibiotics for future generations.

Call to Action:
Join the conversation during U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week using #USAAW25 and #AntibioticsAware. Explore resources and consider how your practice can integrate One Health principles.


 

Antibiotic Awareness Week: Advanced Strategies for Antibiotic Stewardship

Why Advanced Stewardship Matters

Basic prescribing principles such as avoiding antibiotics for viral infections are essential, but they’re not enough to curb antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Hospitals and clinics need advanced stewardship strategies to optimize antibiotic use, improve patient outcomes, and reduce resistance rates. These strategies go beyond education and require system-level interventions supported by data and technology.

Core Advanced Interventions

  1. Antibiotic Time-Outs
    At 48–72 hours after initiating therapy, pause and reassess:
    • Is the antibiotic still needed?
    • Can we narrow the spectrum based on culture results?
    • Can we switch from IV to oral therapy? This simple intervention reduces unnecessary exposure and improves targeted therapy.
  2. Audit and Feedback
    Regular review of prescribing patterns with feedback to clinicians is one of the most effective stewardship tools. Peer comparison and constructive feedback encourage adherence to guidelines without punitive measures.
  3. EMR-Based Decision Support
    Integrate clinical decision support into electronic medical records:
    • Alerts for duplicate therapy or prolonged duration.
    • Embedded order sets aligned with institutional guidelines.
    • Dose calculators for renal adjustment.
  4. Diagnostic Stewardship
    Encourage appropriate use of microbiology tests and rapid diagnostics to guide therapy decisions. Avoid unnecessary cultures that lead to overtreatment.

Building a Multidisciplinary Team

Effective stewardship requires collaboration:

  • Pharmacists for dosing and drug selection.
  • Microbiologists for rapid reporting.
  • Infection preventionists for surveillance and education.

Clinicians for bedside implementation.

Patient Education Tip

Patients may worry when antibiotics are stopped or changed. Try the following approach:

We’re adjusting your antibiotic based on your test results. This ensures you get the safest and most effective treatment while reducing side effects.

Provide clear explanations and written instructions when therapy changes occur.

Key Takeaways

  • Advanced stewardship strategies—time-outs, audit-feedback, EMR support—are proven to reduce resistance and improve outcomes.
  • Collaboration across disciplines is essential.
  • Patient communication builds trust and adherence.

Resources for Clinicians:

Check out some of our UNMC ID Faculty members scholarly work on Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs:


 

Antibiotic Awareness Week: Why Veterinary Antibiotic Use Matters to Human Health

The Overlooked Link Between Animal and Human Health

When we talk about antimicrobial resistance (AMR), most of us think about hospital-acquired infections or outpatient prescribing. But the reality is broader: antibiotic use in animals (both livestock and pets) contributes significantly to resistance patterns that affect human health. Resistant bacteria can spread from animals to humans through direct contact, food consumption, and environmental contamination. According to the FDA, antibiotics are commonly used in agriculture to prevent disease and promote growth in livestock. While these practices have improved productivity, they also create selective pressure for resistant organisms like Salmonella, Campylobacter, and certain E. coli strains, which can cause severe infections in humans.

Why Clinicians Should Care

  • Foodborne Transmission: Resistant bacteria can enter the food chain and cause infections that are harder to treat.
  • Community Spread: Resistant organisms from pets or farm animals can spread to humans through close contact.
  • Global Impact: Agricultural antibiotic use accounts for a significant portion of total antibiotic consumption worldwide.

Understanding this connection helps us to advocate for responsible antibiotic use beyond the hospital walls.

Action Steps for Clinicians

  1. Educate Patients on Food Safety
    • Wash hands after handling raw meat.
    • Cook meat to safe internal temperatures.
    • Avoid raw milk and unpasteurized dairy products.
  2. Support Policy and Advocacy
    • Encourage adherence to FDA guidelines limiting non-therapeutic antibiotic use in livestock.
    • Promote awareness of the One Health approach that integrates human, animal, and environmental health.
  3. Stay Informed

Patient Education Tip

“Antibiotic resistance doesn’t just happen in hospitals; it can start on farms. Choosing meat raised without antibiotics, cooking meat thoroughly, and practicing good hygiene helps protect you and your family.”

Key Takeaways

  • Veterinary antibiotic use impacts human health through foodborne and environmental pathways.
  • Clinicians can play a role by educating patients and supporting responsible agricultural practices.
  • Stewardship is a shared responsibility across sectors—human, animal, and environmental.


 

Antibiotic Awareness Week: Why Diagnostic Stewardship Matters

Antibiotics are life-saving when used appropriately, but they do not treat viral infections like colds, influenza, or COVID-19. Despite this, inappropriate prescribing remains common in outpatient settings. Studies show that nearly 30% of outpatient antibiotic prescriptions are unnecessary (CDC). Every unnecessary prescription increases the risk of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), adverse drug reactions, and Clostridioides difficile infections. Diagnostic stewardship, using evidence-based tools and tests to guide prescribing, is essential for clinicians to ensure antibiotics are reserved for bacterial infections.

Why Rapid Diagnostics Are Critical

Rapid diagnostics are a cornerstone of antimicrobial stewardship because they:

Examples of Rapid Diagnostics:

  • PCR panels for respiratory pathogens, blood cultures, meningitis panel
  • Rapid strep tests
  • Point-of-care influenza, COVID-19, and RSV assays

Learn More:

Check out some of our UNMC ID Faculty members scholarly work on diagnostic stewardship:

Antibiotic Awareness Week: A Call to Action for Us All

Antibiotic Awareness Week November 18-24: Why We Must Lead the Fight Against AMR

Every November, healthcare professionals worldwide observe Antibiotic Awareness Week, a campaign dedicated to promoting responsible antibiotic use and combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This year’s theme, “Fighting Antimicrobial Resistance Takes All of Us”, underscores the critical role clinicians play in preserving the effectiveness of these life-saving drugs.

The Scope of the Problem

AMR is often called the “silent pandemic.” In the United States alone, more than 2.8 million antimicrobial-resistant infections occur annually, resulting in over 35,000 deaths (CDC). Globally, projections estimate 10 million deaths per year by 2050 (WHO).

These infections lead to:

  • Longer hospital stays and higher costs
  • Increased morbidity and mortality
  • Limited treatment options as new antibiotics remain scarce

Why We Are Central to Antimicrobial Stewardship

Every antibiotic prescription is an opportunity to protect—or compromise—the future of these drugs. Clinicians influence stewardship through:

  • Diagnostic accuracy: Avoid unnecessary antibiotics for viral infections.
  • Therapeutic optimization: Choose the right drug, dose, and duration.
  • Patient education: Explain why antibiotics may not be appropriate.

Practical Tips for Clinicians

  • Review CDC Core Elements
  • Use clear communication with patients about when antibiotics are needed
    • “Your symptoms are caused by a virus, so antibiotics won’t help. Taking antibiotics when they’re not needed can make future infections harder to treat.”
    • Provide written instructions for symptom management and when to return for care.

Key Takeaways

  • AMR is a global health crisis with local impact.
  • Clinicians are the gatekeepers of antibiotic use.
  • Stewardship interventions—time-outs, audit-feedback, patient education—are proven strategies.

Call to Action:
Join the movement during U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week. Share your commitment using #USAAW25 and #AntibioticsAware, and explore resources at CDC Antibiotic Awareness and WHO AMR.


 

UNMC Infectious Diseases Shines at IDWeek 2025

Atlanta, GA | October 19–22, 2025
The infectious diseases community is gathering once again for IDWeek 2025, and the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) Division of Infectious Diseases is proud to be well represented at this premier international conference. With a strong lineup of presentations, posters, and panels, UNMC ID faculty, fellows, and collaborators are showcasing their impactful work across clinical care, research, education, and public health.

Highlights from UNMC ID Presenters

This year’s IDWeek features a diverse array of contributions from UNMC ID members, with 44 presentations by 30 members of our division including several premedical student, medical student, pharmacy student, resident, and fellow, presenters! Click the arrows below to see where to find us in different session types at IDWeek:

Session Speakers and Moderators:

PresenterTitleDateTimeSession Type
Angela Hewlett, MDRESPTC Support and Response10/20/202510:30 AM – 11:45 AMSymposium
Nicolas Cortes-Penfield, MDThe Role of Rifampin in Hardware Infections10/22/20253:15 PM – 3:40 PMSymposium
Mark Rupp, MDPrevention of Blood Culture Contamination: Technique or Technology?10/20/20253:40 PM – 4:05 PMSymposium
Sara  H Bares, MDImplementing Long-Acting ART10/20/202510:55 AM – 11:20 AMSymposium
Sara  H Bares, MDVoices in Infectious Diseases10/21/202510:30 AM – 10:55 AMNarrative Session
Jennifer M. Davis, MDChallenging HIV Clinical Cases10/22/20251:45 PM – 3:00 PMInteractive Session [Moderator]
Josh Havens, PharmDUpdates on Implementation Strategies for HIV Prevention10/21/202510:55am-11:20amState-of the ART
Josh Havens, PharmDProven LAI Implementation Strategies in HIV Prevention and Treatment 10/20/20257:00pm-9:00pmAffiliated Event
Trevor Van Schooneveld, MDCareers in Antimicrobial Stewardship10/19/20259:50am-11:15amFellows Workshop 
Trevor Van Schooneveld, MDPneumonia PCR Panels Lead to a De-Escalation of Antibiotic Use-Con10/21/20252:15pm-3:30pmPro-Con Debate
Jasmine R. Marcelin, MDPrioritizing Equity in Antimicrobial Stewardship Efforts (EASE): A Framework for Clinicians10/22/202510:50am-11:10amSymposium
Jonathan Ryder, MDWhy You Need Diagnostic Stewardship10/22/20259:30am-9:55amBugHub World Stage
Jasmine R. Marcelin, MDThe Next Frontier: Rapid AST to Optimize Care of Patients with Bloodstream Infections 10/19/202510:00am-11:00amAffiliated Event
Jasmine R. Marcelin, MDAntimicrobial Prescribing Disparities and the Pursuit of Pharmacoequity10/18/20258:10 AM – 9:00 AMPreconference Workshop
Andrea Zimmer, MDVincent T. Andriole ID Board Review Course10/18/20257:00am-4:30pmWorkshop [Course Director]
Andrea Zimmer, MDIDBugCrawl – 31 Flavors of ID10/20/20251:00pm-2:00pm
Andrea Zimmer, MDBridging the Gap Between General and Transplant Infectious Disease Practice10/20/20258:00 AM – 8:25 AMBugHub [Moderator]
Andrea Zimmer, MDImmunocompromised Host Community of Practice 10/21/20255:00pmReception and Poster Walk
Angela Hewlett, MDLessons Learned in Biopreparedness and Biocontainment: Lassa Fever in the Midwest10/20/202510:30-11:45Symposium [Moderator]

Oral Abstract Presenters
PresentersTitleDateTimeUNMC ID Coauthors
Mackenzie R. Keintz, MDUnlocking Knowledge: Designing an Infectious Diseases-themed Escape Room for Medical Student and Resident Education10/21/20253:15-4:30 (speaking slot 4:03-4:15)Catherine Cichon, MD, Evangeline Green, DO, MPH, Jasmine R. Marcelin, MD, Benjamin K. Arbeiter, MD
Calvin Albrecht, MD [Fellow]Case Presentation #3 – Fever and Constitutional Symptoms in a Young Returning Traveler10/20/202510:30 AM – 11:45 AM
Jennifer M. Davis, MDInsurance Changes are Common and Associated with Delayed Cabotegravir Plus Rilpivirine Injections10/22/202510:30am – 11:45amO’Neill J, Lyden E, Bares SH
Emily Dyer, MD [Fellow]Who’s Being Missed? Baseline Evaluation of Colorectal Cancer Screening in a Ryan White Population 10/20/20252:30-2:45pmRegan N, Bares SH, Lyden E, Davis JM
Josh Havens, PharmDReal-World Insights of the Financial Metrics of a Long-Acting CAB-RPV Program10/21/20252:45 – 2:57pmO’Neill J, Kubat M, Davis JM, Fadul N, Lechner J, Bares SH, Sunagawa S
Nicole Kusnik, MD [Fellow]Intended and Unintended Conswquences of a Blood Culture Bottle Shortage: Changes in Antibiotic Prescribing, Contamination Rates, and Sepsis Measures at a Large Academic Institution10/21/20253:15-4:30Dr. Teran, Dr. VanSchooneveld, and Dr. Ryder
Albert Wu, MD [Fellow]Blastomycosis in Vermont and New Hampshire10/21/20251:45 – 3:00pm

Poster Presenters
PresenterTitlePoster numberDateTimeUNMC ID Coauthors
Evangeline Green, DO, MPH [Resident]Oral Antibiotic Stepdown Therapy for Uncomplicated Enterococcus Blood Stream Infections: A Retrospective Cohort StudyP-88210/21/202512:15-1:30Cristina Torres, MD,  Elizabeth Lyden, MS, Jasmine R Marcelin, MD, Mackenzie R Keintz, MD
Scott J. Bergman, Pharm DEvaluation of oral antibiotic prescribing for uncomplicated Gram-Negative bloodstream infections following implementation of institutional guidance at an academic medical centerP-2810/20/202512:15-1:30Joshua Lechner, PharmD, Mackenzie R. Keintz, MD, Jasmine R. Marcelin, MD, Molly M. Miller, PharmD, Elizabeth Lyden, MS, Jihyun Ma, MS, Trevor C. Van Schooneveld, MD,
Calvin Albrecht, MD [Fellow]Is Respiratory Gram Stain Useful in the Era of Rapid, Highly Sensitive Molecular Pneumonia Panels?P-61210/20/202512:15 PM – 1:30 PMMatthew Anderson, Elizabeth Lyden, Jonathan Ryder, and Trevor Van Schooneveld
Angela Hewlett, MDBiopreparedness and Biocontainment Education in U.S. ID Fellowships10/22/202512:15 PM – 1:30 PMCristina Torres, David Brett-Major, James Lawler, Dan Cybulski, Gavin Harris, Elizabeth Schnaubelt
Anna Kilzer [Student]Biopreparedness Education in US Medical Schools10/22/202512:15 PM – 1:30 PMJames Lawler, Angela Hewlett
Jillian Mack, PharmD [ID Pharmacy Resident]A Stewardship Focused Evaluation of Patients Treated with Ceftriaxone for Infections due to Penicillin Susceptible Streptococcus spp. in Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy10/22/202512:15 PM – 1:30 PMNicolás Cortés-Penfield, Richard Hankins, Molly Miller, Elizabeth Lyden, Melissa LeMaster, Sara Azimi, Scott Bergman, Trevor C. Van Schooneveld, Mark E. Rupp, Bryan Alexander
Shawnalyn Sunagawa, PharmDClinically Significant Adverse Event Rates for Daptomycin Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy10/22/202512:15 PM – 1:30 PMRichard Hankins, Nicolas Cortes-Penfield, Bryan Alexander, Melissa LeMaster, Molly Miller
Nicolas Cortes-Penfield, MDComplete device extraction optimizes cure in deep brain stimulator & responsive neurostimulator device infectionsP-12610/20/202512:15-1:30pm
Josh Havens, PharmDScalability Metrics and Effort Requirements for a Long-Acting CAB/RPV Program187110/22/202512:15-1:30pmKubat M, Davis JM, Fadul N, Havens J, Bares SH, Sunagawa S, Havens JP
Duncan Works [Student]Outcomes of a Learning Needs Assessment Survey in the Development of the Extension for Community Health Outcomes Model for HIV Training in Midwestern Non-Metropolitan Areas189110/22/202512:15-1:30pmCramer D, Essam Nkodo EN, Lyden E, Zhan Y, Furl R, Fadul N, Davis JM
Vanessa Lo [Student]Assessing Doxycycline Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (doxy PEP) Engagement in Care at a Midwestern HIV/PrEP Clinic33310/20/202512:15-1:30pmHavens JP, Bares SH, Davis JM, Scarsi KK, Sunagawa S
Jessica Witt, PharmD [MATEC Clinical Scholar]Assessing HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Coverage at a Midwest Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC)74310/20/202512:15-1:30pmHavens JP, Bares SH, Downes JM, Davis JM, Dworak A, Carter M, Sunagawa SW
Nicole Kusnik, MD [Fellow]A young man with advanced HIV who presented with shortness of breath and splenomegaly221410/22/202512:15-1:30pmSturd NA, Roma K, Hewlett A, Bares SH, Davis JM
Emmanuel Nazaire Essam Nkodo, MD, MPHBeyond Distance: Social Barriers Influence Long-acting Antiretrovirals Location Preference Among People with HIV in Rural Areas P-2061 10/22/202512:15 PM – 1:30 PMRenae Furl, Elizabeth Lyden, Daniel Cramer, Jennifer O’Neill, Maureen Kubat, Heather Saarela, Titilola Labisi, Nada Fadul.
Priscila Rodrigues Armijo, MDOutcomes of a Statewide Educational Intervention Focused on Reducing COVID-19 Health Disparities Through a Quality Improvement Approach.Salman Ashraf, Adati Tarfa, Elizabeth R. Lyden, Jasmine Marcelin, Jonathan H. Ryder, Jeff Wetherhold, Mahelet Kebede, Subhadra Mandadi, Precious S. Davis, Shirley Delair, Kelly Cawcutt, Andrea D. Jones, Mahliqha Qasimyar, Gail M. Etherton, Erica Stohs, Nada Fadul
Trevor Van Schooneveld, MDEffect of Clinical Guideline Implementation on Use of Plasma Microbial Cell-free DNA Sequencing Testing at an Academic Medical Center P-83710/21/202511:15am-12:30pmTess Karre, Jonathan Ryder
Mackenzie Starlin [Student]Measuring the Clinical Impact of a Novel Infectious Disease Step-Down ServiceP-1874Makenzie Starlin, Rick Starlin, Bryan Alexander,  Molly Miller, Kaeli Samson, Trevor C. Van Schooneveld
Samantha Moreno [Student]Early Exposure to Infectious Diseases Specialty Among Undergraduate Students with Interests in Healthcare Careers10/22/202512:15pm-1:30pmJasmine R Marcelin
Juan Teran, MDUnderstanding Infection Control Needs in Nebraska Schools: Insights from School Health StaffP-188810/22/202512:15 – 1:30 PMChris Cashatt, Mounica Soma, Salman Ashraf, Kate Tyner, Andrea Riley, Alice Sato, Robin Williams
Juan Teran, MDPatterns and Prevalence of Carbapenemase-Producing Organisms Identified in Nebraska Healthcare Facilities Following Whole Genome Sequencing (2019-2024)P-106910/21/202512:15 – 1:30 PMKathryn Burbach, Ishrat Kamal-Ahmed,  Salman Ashraf, Amy Roden, Peter Iwen, Michael Wiley
David Warren, MDImpact of Chlorhexidine Gluconate (CHG) Bathing on Bloodstream Infection Rates in Hematology-Oncology and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (HO/HSCT) Units10/21/2025

Award Winners

We are also thrilled to announce that all three of our senior fellows and two of our ID pharmacists are recipients of IDWeek Abstract Awards! Congratulations on your hard work!

IDWeek is more than a conference—it’s a convergence of minds dedicated to advancing infectious diseases research, education, and patient care. UNMC’s strong presence reflects our division’s commitment to leadership in the field and its ongoing efforts to address the most pressing challenges in ID.

Whether you’re attending in person in Atlanta or joining virtually, be sure to support our UNMC ID colleagues and celebrate their contributions to the field. See you there!