Report
Note: Workshop Summaries contain the opinion of the presenters, but do NOT reflect the conclusions of the IOM. Learn more about the differences between Workshop Summaries and Consensus Reports.
Recent increased attention to the U.S. and international public health systems, as well as the medical research and treatment infrastructure, has revealed significant deficiencies in their capacity to respond to infectious diseases. Medical and public health professionals may be poorly equipped to detect, diagnose, and treat common infectious diseases as well as those diseases that pose an unexpected threat.
In considering strategies to confront these challenges, a workshop was held June 12-13, 2003, in which presentations and discussion addressed the practical application of technologies, methodologies, and practices related to infectious disease surveillance, prevention, research, and control. This report is a summary of that workshop. Particular emphasis was given to
- the application of new and developing technologies that will redefine the infectious disease workforce,
- collaborative training programs between public health and medical health care and research institutions in the US and abroad,
- the reorientation of medical school curricula,
- incentive-driven systems that encourage professional development in these fields, and
- the role of public education and communication.
Some key disciplines that were explored as case-study examinations included public health epidemiology, medical entomology, vaccinology, bioethics, and bioengineering.
Other Reports by this Activity
Displaying: 3 of 28 Reports
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The Science and Applications of Synthetic and Systems Biology - Workshop Summary
The completion of the initial draft of the human genome sequence in 2001 represented a fundamental shift in the way biology was studied, and allowed for vast post-genomic possibilities. Until the past decade, the work was often painstakingly slow; however, new strategies combining engineering and biological techniques have enhanced researchers' abilities. These new synthetic techniques allow for genes and long chains of DNA to be designed and manufactured from scratch using a computer and relevant chemical compounds, rather than manipulating pieces of existing genes from living cells. The IOM’s Forum on Microbial Threats hosted a public workshop March 14-15, 2011 to explore the scientific and policy dimensions of recent developments in genetic engineering and their applications to emerging infectious diseases.
Released: November 23, 2011
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Fungal Diseases: An Emerging Threat To Human, Animal, and Plant Health - Workshop Summary
Fungal diseases have contributed to death and disability in humans, triggered global wildlife extinctions and population declines, devastated agricultural crops, and altered forest ecosystem dynamics. Despite the extensive influence of fungi on health and economic well-being, the threats posed by emerging fungal pathogens to life on Earth are often underappreciated and poorly understood. On December 14 and 15, 2010, the IOM’s Forum on Microbial Threats hosted a public workshop to explore the scientific and policy dimensions associated with the causes and consequences of emerging fungal diseases.
Released: September 9, 2011
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