View CV | Werner E. Bischoff, M.D., M.S., Ph.D. Assistant Professor
Department of Internal Medicine
Section on Infectious Diseases
Wake Forest University School of Medicine
Medical Center Boulevard
Winston Salem, NC 27157
Phone: 336-716-5116
Fax: 336-716-3825 |
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Education: Ph.D. in Epidemiology: 2003-2006, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC
M. S. in Clinical Epidemiology and Health Services Research: 2000-2002, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC
M.D., 1984-1992 Medical School Georg-August-University, Göttingen, Germany |
My scientific work focuses primarily on the transmission dynamics of human pathogens, the epidemiology of antibiotic resistant organisms such as Vancomycin-resistant enterococci and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and the modification of preventive practices of healthcare providers. In recent years I had the opportunity to investigate a novel mechanism of airborne transmission of Staphylococcus aureus related to upper respiratory tract infections via air (the ‘Cloud’ phenomenon). After completing this project my immediate research goals for the future include developing protocols for conducting epidemiologic based clinical and outcomes research with emphasis on early detection and prevention of infections. One focus of these efforts is the efficacy of commonly used face masks and fit-testing procedures to prevent viral transmission by air. In this context new collection methods for airborne viral pathogens have been developed and detection techniques such as RT-PCR have been introduced to the laboratory. A smaller project currently underway studies the utilization of surgical scrubs in the hospital setting and its impact on the airborne transmission of bacteria. I also hope to extend my research efforts even further to the ‘human’ factor in quality control. In particular, the understanding of specific behavioral patterns of professionals providing health care appears to be somewhat lacking, making successful interventions with long-term impact at least difficult. These research efforts and future plans reflect my continued interest in the practical application of preventive measures particularly in the health care setting.
Tanya Reid, B.S.,
Lab Technician