About us

Known for our clinical care, research, and education, the Division of Infectious Diseases at the University of Pennsylvania has grown from two to more than sixty faculty members since its founding in 1971. Most of the Division’s nationally and internationally renowned faculty members are based in Philadelphia. However, the Division also has a presence abroad, primarily through the Botswana-University of Pennsylvania Partnership, a multi- and inter-disciplinary clinical and research collaboration.

The Division offers a range of inpatient and outpatient programs in HIV medicine, infections in solid organ and bone marrow transplant recipients, healthcare epidemiology and antimicrobial stewardship, antimicrobial resistance, viral hepatitis, tuberculosis, travel medicine, and global health. Our award-winning faculty members, who are known for their teaching excellence, have a wide range of experience in scientific investigation including bench science, translational and epidemiologic research, clinical trials, health policy, and public health.

Every year the Division recruits five new Infectious Diseases fellows for our renowned training program. Participants in this program can craft their own clinical and research training. They can decide to follow well-established clinical training paths or focus on lab-based basic science research training. Alternatively, they can also pursue advanced degrees in fields like clinical epidemiology and health policy. So far, the Division has trained more than 130 fellows who have gone on to secure positions in academic medicine, public health, and industry.

Mission statement – University of Pennsylvania Infectious Diseases Division

The University of Pennsylvania Infectious Diseases Division affirms our commitment to maintain the highest standards of clinical care; to work to advance our understanding, treatment, and prevention of disease; and to create an environment of educational excellence through the following principles. We will:

  • Advance the recruitment and retainment of a broad-ranging community of fellows, faculty, and staff from all backgrounds
  • Provide compassionate clinical care to all of our patients, without bias or judgment, which is based upon the best evidence and standards of practice.
  • Promote scientific discovery though cutting-edge investigative programs in disease pathogenesis, epidemiology, prevention, diagnostics, treatment, and policy making.
  • Develop the next generation of leaders in Infectious Diseases through clinical and research training and mentoring that values the goals, needs, and personal development of our trainees and students.
  • Work with our staff and partners in care, research, and administration in a way that recognizes their contributions to our mission and success.

These commitments are made with the overall goal of fostering a supportive environment that prioritizes emotional, social and physical well-being. We seek to deliver outstanding clinical care and support of our broad patient populations, providing a welcoming community and equal access to all individuals without regard to background or belief.

Administrative team

Division Chief
Ebbing Lautenbach, MD, MPH, MSCE

Division Associate Chief
Ian D. Frank, MD

Section Chief at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center
Judith O'Donnell, MD

Section Chief at VAMC
Zsofia Szep, MD

Associate Chief
Florence Momplaisir, MD, MSPH

Fellowship Director
Emily A. Blumberg, MD

Fellowship Associate Director
Sarah Longworth, MD

Director, Division Administration and Finance
Mao Pezzella

Associate Director, Administration & Finance
Anou Ayene

Divisional Program Administrator
Hien Yem

Fellowship Coordinator
Sandra Erby

Administrative Services Coordinator
Nichelle Gibbs

Business Administrator
Allison Bohnberger

Senior Practice Manager- PCAM
Gissela Martins

Practice Manager- PPMC
Jessyka Jefferson

Senior Program Manager - PPMC
Alexis Schwartz, LSW

Program Manager - PCAM
Adam Williams

Administrative Services Associate - PPMC
Wanda Gordon

Coordinator Secretarial Services
Margaret Slade

Financial Analyst & Grants Coordinator
Vacant

Grants Manager
Kelly Dianne Daniels

Grants Manager
Vacant

Grants Manager
Jameela Smith

Grants Manager
Heidi Young

Administrative Assistant & Faculty Affairs Coordinator
Vanna Suon 

Research Financial Coordinator
Bria Hughes

Contact Us

Administration Mailing Address:
Perelman School of Medicine
Department of Medicine, Infectious Diseases Division
502 Johnson Pavilion
3610 Hamilton Walk
Philadelphia, PA 19104-6073

Fax: 215-349-5111
Mao Pezzella: Director, Division Administration and Finance