About

Dedicated to the study and treatment of infectious diseases

Our division delivers high-quality patient care in a health district that promotes medical education and research. Division members are patient advocates, mentors, innovators and policy advisors dedicated to the study and management of infectious diseases.

Comprehensive care

For patients throughout the Maritimes, the Division of Infectious Diseases provides inpatient, outpatient and consultative care via the Nova Scotia Health Authority and the IWK Health Centre. We also act as a primary resource for physicians across the Maritimes, providing a 24/7 telephone consultation service. The majority of the care we provide is for patients with severe and complex hospital- and community-acquired infections.

The division also supports the NSHA Antimicrobial Stewardship Program to optimize antimicrobial use across the health authority.

Education across the continuum

Our division provides infectious diseases education for medical students, residents and practising physicians. Through our education programs:

• medical, nursing and allied health students are introduced to infectious diseases as one of the most fascinating and challenging medical phenomena
• residents hone their knowledge and skills in infectious diseases and medical microbiology via faculty who are leaders in their field
• primary care and specialist physicians gain insights into the latest infection prevention, treatment and management

Interdisciplinary research

Division members lead basic and clinical research that explores immune aging at the Senescence Aging Infection & Immunity Lab, immune exhaustion, influenza vaccine effectiveness and surveillance, the diagnosis of infections and Lyme disease, and bacterial pathogenesis. Our interdisciplinary work has been recognized nationally and internationally, adding to Dalhousie’s reputation as a leader in the study and understanding of vaccinology.