Meet Infection Control Today's Editorial Advisory Board Member: David Levine, PhD, DPT, MPH, FAPTA

Introducing the Infection Control Today's (ICT's) Editorial Board members—a diverse group of professionals dedicated to advancing infection prevention and control practices. This series highlights each member's unique expertise and contributions to the field.

From groundbreaking research to innovative strategies, these experts are at the forefront of enhancing health care safety. Join us as we learn their insights, experiences, and visions for the future, providing valuable knowledge and inspiration to elevate infection control protocols.

This installment is from David Levine, PhD, DPT, MPH, FAPTA, a distinguished professor at the University of Tennessee who has spent a significant portion of his career in clinical practice and research, particularly in infection prevention and control. Levine talks about his journey in this domain, which began about 15 years ago. However, his academic background is rich with diverse qualifications, including 2 doctorates and 2 master’s degrees, alongside a longstanding interest in microbiology.

David Levine, PhD, DPT, MPH, FAPTA

Levine's introduction to infection control was somewhat serendipitous, emerging from a collaboration with Henry Spratt, Jr, PhD, a microbiologist with expertise in plant microbiology. This partnership led to the establishment of a Clinical Infectious Disease Control Laboratory on campus, a space where numerous students, residents, and premed undergraduates have contributed to and benefited from the research efforts. Levine emphasizes the importance of curiosity-driven research, which has been made possible by internal funding and student support, allowing his team to explore questions of personal and professional interest, even if they do not attract large grants.

Levine’s work spans both human and veterinary medicine, reflecting his interest in zoonotic and anthroponotic diseases—illnesses that can be transmitted between humans and animals. This dual focus allows for a comprehensive approach to understanding how different species interact with infectious agents. For instance, while Clostridium difficile is a significant problem in human healthcare, it is much less prevalent in veterinary patients, illustrating the different impacts of the same pathogen across species.

A significant portion of Levine’s research has focused on pediatric infectious diseases, conducted in collaboration with the University’s College of Medicine and supported by the faculty in the neonatal intensive care unit. Here, his work has not only concentrated on direct patient care but also on improving the environmental conditions in which care is provided. This includes investigating ways to enhance cleaning protocols in outpatient clinics, which often lack the rigorous guidelines imposed on inpatient facilities.

Levine also touches on the evolving role of data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) in health care. He sees these technologies as promising tools for accelerating the collection and analysis of data, which could lead to more timely interventions in patient care. However, he acknowledges that the integration of these technologies into everyday practice is still in its early stages.

Another area of interest for Levine is the often-overlooked outpatient environment. While much attention is given to infection control in hospitals, outpatient settings, where most health care is delivered, receive comparatively less focus. Levine believes that more attention needs to be directed towards these areas to improve overall health care outcomes.

In addition to his research, Levine is deeply involved in education, both for health care professionals and the public. He highlights the importance of ongoing education in keeping up with the latest trends and updates in infection control, noting that this is a continuous and essential aspect of health care that will always be relevant.

Levine also discusses the challenges facing the field, such as staffing shortages and burnout among infection prevention staff, which have been exacerbated by the increasing patient volume and the persistent issue of antibiotic resistance. He notes that while these challenges are not new, they continue to be significant hurdles that the healthcare industry must address.

Overall, Levine’s career reflects a deep commitment to improving infection control practices across both human and veterinary medicine. His work is driven by a passion for discovery and a desire to make meaningful contributions to the field. As he looks to the future, he sees potential in new technologies like AI and data analytics. Still, he also recognizes the enduring importance of education and the need to address ongoing challenges in staffing and resource allocation.