UC MSTP 2002 graduate Joshua K. Schaffzin, MD, PhD, is the Director of Infection Prevention & Control at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC). In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Schaffzin’s role has been more challenging, and important, than ever. He is a member of the team leading CCHMC’s COVID-19 response, and has been at the forefront of decisions and communications around preventing COVID-19 spread and maintaining a safe environment for all CCHMC staff, patients, and families. He reports that every day brings new questions and conundrums – from PPE use, testing utilization, social distancing, employee and visitor screening, to how to resume services in a safe, manageable way.

“[COVID-19] has created many challenges, but also many opportunities,” said Dr. Schaffzin. “It has taught us the value of social distancing in controlling an outbreak, in the importance of strong leadership and clear communication. From a research standpoint, it has given us a chance to examine viral pathogenicity and immunity in children in a way we have not been able to before. The question of why disease tends to be less severe in children is a mystery that if solved could tell us how to prevent severe disease in children and adults due to COVID-19 and other viruses.”

Dr. Schaffzin on COVID-19:
“COVID-19 has challenged us to learn how to live our lives while maintaining distancing, masking, hygiene and disinfection. We are all learning this new normal together.”