Schaffner succeeds Hill as NFID president
As one Vanderbilt University Medical Center faculty member completes his two-year term as president of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID), another has stepped into the role.
William Schaffner, M.D., professor and chair of the Department of Preventive Medicine, is the new president of the NFID, replacing George C. Hill, Ph.D., associate dean and Levi Watkins Jr. Professor for Diversity in Medical Education and professor of Microbiology and Immunology, who recently finished his two-year term.
William Schaffner, M.D.
George Hill, Ph.D.
The NFID is a non-profit group dedicated to raising awareness in both medical professionals and the general public about the causes, treatment and prevention of infectious diseases.
The organization will continue to focus on issues such as preventing illness through vaccinations as well as combating the growing problem of antibiotic resistance, Schaffner said.
“There will be a special emphasis in reaching the underserved, continuing the program of Dr. George Hill, who provided leadership in addressing racial and economic disparities of access to preventive health services,” he said.
Hill said the NFID plays an important role in communicating these disparities.
“It is important that these efforts continue, helping to eliminate this major health care crisis.”