IDCRC Profile: Jodie Dionne, MD, MSPH

Jodie Dionne, MD, MSPH is an associate professor of medicine (Infectious Diseases) and obstetrics and gynecology (Maternal-Fetal Medicine) at the University of Alabama at Birmingham where she directs the Infection in Women and Pregnancy Program. She was recently announced as the IDCRC Leadership Group (LG)Leadership Operations Center (LOC) co-director. Read the full announcement of her recent appointment here.  

Briefly describe your background in infectious disease research.

My longstanding research interest is to improve the prevention and treatment of STI, malaria, and hepatitis B in pregnancy. As director of the Infection in Women and Pregnancy Program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), I have designed and led clinical trials and cohort studies in collaboration with terrific research partners in the U.S. and abroad.  Active multicenter studies in Africa are conducted in partnership with teams at the Cameroon Health Initiative (CHI UAB), and the Center for Infectious Diseases Research in Zambia (CIDRZ). 

What is a strength or example of the importance of the IDCRC?

The field of infectious diseases is constantly evolving in terms of pathogens and populations at risk. The importance of IDCRC is to improve our readiness to address priority pathogens with a coordinated and timely scientific response. Data from clinical trials supported by IDCRC lead to a robust evidence base and informed decision-making. 

Describe the importance of the VTEUs. 

The significance of collecting and disseminating high-quality clinical trial data for interventions that reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with infectious diseases in adults and children cannot be understated. The long-term investment in the VTEU (with NIH funding since 1962) has resulted in a network of experienced and committed ID investigators, research staff, and participants who are fully capable of providing this type of data. 

What are you looking forward to most in your new IDCRC role? 

I am truly honored to be joining the IDCRC leadership group. Working closely with Anna Wald, MD, as the STI EWG co-chair was a highlight of the past few years for me. I enjoy the process and "nitty-gritty" details of clinical trial design and operations. I look forward to working closely with David Stephens, MD, Kathy Neuzil, MD, and Monica Farley, MD, as well as the administrative group, NIAID, the VTEU site PIs, and study staff to ensure the continued success of IDCRC.