Academic productivity is at the core of advancing medical knowledge, with research efforts driving improvements in patient care and shaping future treatment approaches. In the Duke Department of Medicine (DOM), this commitment to research is evident across all divisions, where faculty continually contribute to the broader medical community. The DOM Division of Infectious Diseases is a prime example of this, with its faculty publishing over 400 papers between 2023 and early 2024 alone, showcasing the division's ongoing efforts to advance the field.
Under the leadership of Dr. John Perfect, division chief for 14 years, the faculty has demonstrated a sustained commitment to research that spans basic science, clinical studies, and translational medicine. While the sheer number of publications speaks to the division’s productivity, Dr. Perfect emphasizes that the scope of research is what truly makes their work impactful. “It’s not just about the number of publications,” he said. “It’s the breadth and the impact of the research we’re doing. Our faculty members are involved in everything from basic science to clinical research to translational medicine, which directly improves patient outcomes here at Duke and globally.”
The division’s work covers a wide range of critical topics in infectious diseases, including infection control, antibiotic stewardship, and transplant infectious disease. By tackling such diverse issues, the division’s faculty are not only advancing their field but also ensuring that their research has a broad and lasting impact on clinical practices worldwide. “Our goal is to not only treat patients but also to share what we learn so that others can benefit from our work,” Dr. Perfect said.
In addition to its academic contributions, the Division of Infectious Diseases plays a key role in clinical care at Duke. Infectious disease physicians manage one of the highest volumes of clinical consults across the institution. Despite the demands of clinical work, faculty members remain deeply committed to advancing research. “We are very focused on delivering excellent clinical care, but we never lose sight of the importance of research and education,” Dr. Perfect said. “That balance is what makes Duke a leading research institution.”
With 70 faculty members, the division averages roughly five publications per faculty member each year. While impressive in scale, it’s the diversity and impact of the research that Dr. Perfect highlights. “Our research spans diagnostics, therapeutics, infection control, and much more,” he said. “It’s important that we continue pushing in all these directions to advance the field.”
As a premier research institution, Duke is known for fostering a strong research culture, and the Division of Infectious Diseases exemplifies this ethos. Dr. Perfect stresses the importance of maintaining Duke’s status as a leader in both clinical care and research, noting that the division’s success in research strengthens the institution as a whole. “At Duke, we are fortunate to have an environment that supports our ability to conduct cutting-edge research while also caring for patients,” Dr. Perfect said. “We have a responsibility to publish and share what we learn, and I’m incredibly proud of the faculty’s commitment to that mission.”
With its impressive academic output and ongoing dedication to research and education, the Duke Division of Infectious Diseases continues to move medicine forward in both clinical practice and the advancement of infectious disease care.