The Wayne State University School of Medicine’s Infectious Disease Interest Group has been instrumental in combating the COVID-19 pandemic.

To date, members have worked with health professionals to vaccinate about 40 patients with appointments at the Student Center as a community service initiative.

The group is involved in infectious disease research projects, including the CoVPN 3006 Moderna Vaccine Study assessing the vaccine's efficacy and impact on the transmissivity of SARS-CoV-2.

Members also assisted in investigating interprofessional team dynamics between students from different backgrounds (medicine, nursing, pharmacy) when they volunteered together to administer COVID-19 vaccines at the Campus Health Center.

Chaired by Teena Chopra, M.D., M.P.H. ’11, professor of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and corporate medical director of Infection Prevention, Epidemiology and Antibiotic Stewardship for WSU and the Detroit Medical Center, the group’s mission is to provide a platform for students to learn about the infectious disease specialty on campus and connect students with projects centered around promoting public health by preventing the spread of communicable diseases.

This year, the IDIG hosted a talk by former WSU School of Medicine Dean Jack Sobel, M.D., a distinguished infectious disease specialist, who spoke about his career progression.

Before the first exam of the academic year, the group hosted an immunology exam review for Year 2 students, with more than 45 students participating.

The group, Dr. Chopra said, continues to seek ways to promote infectious disease initiatives and public health information both within and outside the School of Medicine community.

The group is open to all medical students. If you are interested in joining or seeking further information, email Dr. Chopra at tchopra@med.wayne.edu.