Doctors Day: Recognizing the Physicians Behind HCID Preparedness
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When a patient with a high-consequence infectious disease (HCID) first seeks care, the system doesn’t begin in a specialized unit—it begins with a physician, nurse, or other healthcare provider.
It may be a primary care provider noticing an unusual constellation of symptoms. An urgent care clinician asking one more question about travel history. An emergency physician recognizing a pattern that warrants escalation. Or a specialist in a treatment center delivering highly coordinated, protocol-driven care.
At every level, physicians serve as critical decision-makers—identifying risks, coordinating care, and helping ensure that potential threats are recognized and contained. Preparedness is not confined to specialized centers; it depends on awareness, expertise, and action across the entire healthcare system.
On Doctors Day, we highlight physicians across NETEC’s network who are on the front lines of special pathogen preparedness and response. Their perspectives reflect not only the diversity of roles within medicine, but the shared responsibility that connects them.
Why Physicians Choose This Work
Dr. Jeffrey Dichter, MD
Professor, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine
University of Minnesota
Faculty, Special Pathogens Unit
M Health Fairview University of Minnesota Medical Center | Region 5 RESPTC
Driven by a desire to help others, Dr. Dichter highlights how medicine offers both direct patient care and broader impact over time.
“I really wanted to go into a profession where I could help other people… as you grow into your profession, you grow into other leadership roles… and help larger groups of patients.”
Transcript of Jeff Dichter video. (PDF opens in a new window.)
Pooja Nawathe, MD, FAAP, FCCM
Professor of Pediatrics and Cardiology; Associate Director, Pediatric ICU
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center | Region 9 RESPTC
NETEC Pediatric Workgroup Co-Chair
For Dr. Nawathe, the complexity and nuance of caring for children—and the challenge of recognizing illness when it’s not always obvious—drew her into pediatric critical care.
“Kids are so special… the skill and the art needed to identify those children who are sick and help them is really what got me interested.”
Transcript of Pooja Nawathe video. (PDF opens in a new window.)
What They Value Most About Being a Physician
Jose Carlo Jara Aguirre, MD
Director, Clinical Chemistry Laboratory; Director, Point of Care Testing (Pathology)
Children’s National | Region 3 RESPTC
Working in laboratory medicine, Dr. Aguirre emphasizes the impact of teamwork and the long-term significance of saving a child’s life.
“When I [am] saving the life as part of this team, we are giving a patient a whole life of benefit.”
Transcript of Jose Aguirre video. (PDF opens in a new window.)
Radu Postelnicu, MD
Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine
NYU Grossman School of Medicine
Associate Director, Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU); Director, Clinical Innovation, Critical Care
NYC Health + Hospitals / Bellevue Hospital | Region 2 RESPTC
NETEC Adult Care Workgroup Co-Chair
For Dr. Postelnicu, the privilege of caring for patients and families during their most critical moments—and collaborating across teams—is central to his work.
“It’s a privilege and an honor to be able to be with a patient and their families when they’re at their most critical time.”
Transcript of Radu Postelnicu video. (PDF opens in a new window.)
Advice for the Next Generation
Daliya Khuon, MD
Pediatric Infectious Disease Specialist
Corewell Health | Region 5 RESPTC
Dr. Khuon encourages aspiring physicians to explore the full range of opportunities within medicine—well beyond traditional clinical roles.
“What’s not well known is how varied being a doctor is… make sure that you’re talking to different types of doctors.”
Transcript of Daliya Khuon video. (PDF opens in a new window.)
A Shared Perspective Across the Care Continuum
Across specialties and care settings, a common thread emerges: the role of a physician extends far beyond diagnosis and treatment.
Physicians are identifiers, decision-makers, collaborators, and leaders. They are often the first point of recognition—and a critical link in ensuring that potential HCID threats are escalated, managed, and contained appropriately.
Their perspectives also reflect the breadth of the profession itself—from bedside care to laboratory science, from pediatric critical care to national coordination efforts.
Preparedness is not confined to specialized centers. It depends on awareness, expertise, and coordination at every level of the healthcare system.
On Doctors Day, we recognize not only the dedication of these individuals, but the essential role physicians across the country play in protecting patients, supporting one another, and strengthening our collective readiness for high-consequence infectious diseases.