The Department of Medicine Division of Infectious Diseases is nationally-known for its leading advances in clinical infectious diseases and HIV care, as well as research pathogenesis, virology and immunology, epidemiology, diagnostics, and vaccine development. Division researchers amass more than $65 million in research funding per year, leading all the divisions in the department.
Read our interview with division director Monica Farley, MD to learn about her path to a career in medicine, her experience as a faculty member at Emory, and more!
Why did you decide to pursue a career in medicine?
Medicine is a perfect mix of science and service. I love both.
What led you to join the Department of Medicine?
I came close to being a surgeon. I was drawn to the technical aspects and the ability to provide an immediate result, but I realized that I like to think through problems in great detail and that internal medicine and infectious diseases was a better fit. My daughter is now following the surgery calling for the family. I joined the Emory Department of Medicine because after my years of residency and fellowship training, it felt like home and a place that would support my career goals.
Can you share more about your experience and specialty area(s)?
I was fascinated with microbiology as a medical student and found the perfect subspecialty in infectious diseases. I have been able to combine and pursue multiple areas of interest in academic infectious diseases. I started in a basic laboratory studying pathogenesis of bacterial infections and then later transitioned to studying the clinical and molecular epidemiology of invasive bacterial infections. All this in the backdrop of patient care and taking on progressive leadership roles. I gain great satisfaction in promoting the careers of early career faculty members, and building strong and cohesive programs.
What is the highlight of your career at Emory thus far?
I am very proud of the amazing division of infectious diseases we have built here at Emory. It is the result of work by many previous leaders, strong collaborations, attention to science, medical education, clinical excellence, and commitment to equity and advocacy for our patients. My personal highlight was being honored with the Jonas A. Shulman Professorship, named for one of those remarkable previous leaders whose guidance shaped countless infectious diseases careers including my own.
What do you like most about living in Atlanta?
I love the diversity, the neighborhoods and communities, the green winters, and the Atlanta United when they are winning!
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I have played team sports (with an emphasis on soccer) for most of my life. But aging bones and joints means transitioning to less exciting forms of exercise and channeling the competitive spirit to being a sports fan—go Bulldogs and Atlanta United! My favorite thing to do these days is spending time with my 18-month-old grandson.
If you didn’t pursue a career in medicine, what other profession would you have chosen?
I always imagined being a writer of detective fiction. But more likely it would have been science and research.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
I can’t wait until the masks are off and we can all be together again. I am very tired of Zoom. Please get your vaccine and save lives.
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