Ep 014 – Infectious Diseases with Dr. Robert Kalayjian

Dr. Kalayjian is the Director of the Division of Infectious Diseases at MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland, OH, as well as an Associate Professor of Infectious Disease at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine.

Dr. Kalayjian received his undergraduate degree from Boston University in 1978; his medical degree from Tufts University School of Medicine in 1982; completed his residency in internal medicine in 1985 and a fellowship in infectious diseases in 1991, both at University Hospitals of Cleveland.

Dr. Kalayjian is the recipient of the Voices Against the Silence Award for his work in improving the quality of life of those living with HIV/AIDS in Northeast Ohio. He has also been recognized by Best Doctors in America 6 times, most recently in 2014. In addition to being the recipient of many teaching awards, Dr. Kalayjian is also the Lead instructor of the Microbiology and Immunology sections of the School of Medicine’s basic science curriculum.

Please enjoy with Dr. Robert Kalayjian!

Post-interview Additions

After the interview, Dr. Kalayjian clarified that more so than most other specialties, infectious disease has more opportunities to get involved in administrative roles. This is because every hospital is required to have an employee health program for which infectious disease physicians are consulted. In addition, infectious disease physicians are called upon to manage antibiotic stewardship guidelines, oversee infection control measures, as well as guide public health programs such as those for HIV/AIDS patients and IV drug users.

In turn, these sorts of extra-clinical responsibilities can contribute to the long hours, as Dr. Kalayjian mentioned in the interview, that an infectious disease physician might have to work. I did not make this connection during the interview and was rather surprised to learn that ID docs worked such long hours!