Drs. Don Low and Allison McGeer and their teams have been keeping Mount Sinai safe from infectious disease for almost 20 years.

In fact, their expertise has enabled Mount Sinai to have one of the lowest MRSA and VRE infection rates in the country.

“We’ve been on top of multidrug resistant superbugs like MRSA, VRE and C.difficile for more than 15 years,” says Dr. Low, Chief Microbiologist. “Mount Sinai’s leadership has made investing in the Microbiology Lab a priority so that we have the technology, speed, and precision to more accurately and quickly screen and test patients for infections.”

Microbiology and Infection Control programs are well integrated and staff are vigilant in enforcing preventative strategies that protect patients from possible infection.

“All Mount Sinai staff members are responsible for our low infection rate,” says Dr. McGeer, Director, Infection Control. “We have been able to keep our rates down and protect more patients because clinicians and staff are part of the prevention strategy. Educating staff about incorporating infection prevention into practice is an important focus for our team.”

Drs. Low and McGeer and their teams are also focused on preparing for pandemic influenza. Mount Sinai’s annual education program for pandemic preparedness is in its second year, teaching all health-care providers how to ensure the safety of themselves and their patients while continuing to providing clinical programs during a pandemic.

“We have a proactive and premier infection control program that has significantly contributed to Mount Sinai’s low infection rates and the ability of staff to react to a wide range of situations,” says Dr. Low. “We are proud of our success in keeping staff, patients, and families safe.”