Donnenberg Awarded

Originally Released: September 7, 2000
Contact: Gwen Fariss Newman, gnewman@umm.edu, 410-328-8919
Ellen Beth Levitt, eblevitt@umm.edu, 410-328-8919

NEW HEAD OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES HONORED WITH NATIONAL AWARD

Michael Donnenberg, M.D., the new head of the Division of Infectious Diseases at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and the University of Maryland Medical Center, has been selected the national Squibb Award recipient for his outstanding work in Infectious Diseases.

The Squibb Award, granted in recognition of a career of major research and teaching accomplishments, was given to Dr. Donnenberg at this year's annual meeting of the Infectious Diseases Society of America on Sept. 7 in New Orleans. This award goes to an outstanding researcher under the age of 45.

Dr. Donnenberg's research efforts have focused on the molecular and cellular pathogenesis of E. coli infections, with particular emphasis on enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC), a leading cause of diarrhea among infants in developing countries.

Dr. Donnenberg is a professor of medicine, as well as microbiology and immunology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and has headed its Division of Infectious Diseases since May 1.

"It's an honor to be recognized nationally and to be a part of the University of Maryland School of Medicine, where this sub-specialty has a long history of devoted research and clinical work," says Dr. Donnenberg. "We have a legacy of outstanding achievements here in infectious diseases."

Frank Calia, M.D., M.A.C.P., vice dean and professor of medicine, microbiology and immunology, at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, applauds Dr. Donnenberg's work and the prestigious national award.

"Michael Donnenberg is a creative investigator, a gifted clinician and an inspired teacher -- a true triple threat in the fight against infectious diseases. These qualities made him the ideal choice to lead Maryland's prestigious Infectious Diseases division."

"In addition, Dr. Donnenberg's research has led to a better understanding at the molecular level of virulence factors of pathogenic E. coli bacteria," Dr. Calia says, "which will lead to new strategies for disease prevention and therapy."

Dr. Donnenberg has worked at the University of Maryland for the last 11 years. His division includes more than two dozen researchers and clinicians who work in several areas including UM's Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland Hospital, the Greenebaum Cancer Center and the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center.

William Henrich, M.D., professor and chairman of medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, named Dr. Donnenberg to head Infectious Diseases. He says he will greatly enrich the future of the division by enhancing collaboration and unity among the University of Maryland's many Infectious Diseases programs.

"Dr. Donnenberg's organizational skills, his experience on our faculty and his knowledge of how our system works makes him well suited for this position. He is an excellent scientist, a fine teacher and is well regarded by all his peers," says Dr. Henrich.

Besides E. coli, Dr. Donnenberg's clinical interests include AIDS/HIV infection, diarrheal disease, emerging infections and urinary tract infections.

Dr. Donnenberg received his B.S. degree at the State University of New York in Albany and his M.D. from the Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons. He was a resident at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and completed fellowships at the Tufts University School of Medicine and the Center for Vaccine Development at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.

He is a member of the Emerging Infections Committee of the Infectious Diseases Society of America, served on the editorial board of the journal Infection and Immunity for seven years and is a member of the Unconventional Pathogen Countermeasures Advisory Panel for the Defense Advance Research Projects Agency, part of the Department of Defense.

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