C. diff Researcher Dale Gerding Receives VA's Highest Research Honor
Dale N. Gerding, MD, a world-renowned researcher of C. difficile and other infectious diseases, has received the Veterans Health Administrations highest research honor, the 2013 William S. Middleton Award.
Gerding is a research physician at Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital and a professor in the Department of Medicine of Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine.
The William S. Middleton Award for outstanding achievement in biomedical or behavioral research is the highest honor for scientific achievement awarded by the VAs Biomedical Laboratory Research and Development Service.
The award recognizes Gerdings exemplary record of involvement in, and service to, the VA and the biomedical profession. It also recognizes Gerdings seminal contributions to the epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of hospital infections, with a primary focus on C. difficile. His work has had a broad impact on the clinical care of veterans and of the general population. Gerding will receive $50,000 per year for three years in research support.
Gerdings research interests include the epidemiology and prevention of C. difficile, antimicrobial resistance and antimicrobial distribution. He is the author of more than 350 peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters and reviews. He holds patents for the use of non-toxigenic C. difficile for the prevention and treatment of this disease. This was shown in 2013 to significantly reduce relapse of C. difficile infection in a phase II patient clinical trial.
Source: Loyola University Medical Center
A Helping Hand: Innovative Approaches to Expanding Hand Hygiene Programs in Acute Care Settings
July 9th 2025Who knew candy, UV lights, and a college kid in scrubs could double hand hygiene adherence? A Pennsylvania hospital’s creative shake-up of its infection prevention program shows that sometimes it takes more than soap to get hands clean—and keep them that way.
Broadening the Path: Diverse Educational Routes Into Infection Prevention Careers
July 4th 2025Once dominated by nurses, infection prevention now welcomes professionals from public health, lab science, and respiratory therapy—each bringing unique expertise that strengthens patient safety and IPC programs.
How Contaminated Is Your Stretcher? The Hidden Risks on Hospital Wheels
July 3rd 2025Despite routine disinfection, hospital surfaces, such as stretchers, remain reservoirs for harmful microbes, according to several recent studies. From high-touch areas to damaged mattresses and the effectiveness of antimicrobial coatings, researchers continue to uncover persistent risks in environmental hygiene, highlighting the critical need for innovative, continuous disinfection strategies in health care settings.
