St. George’s University School of Medicine graduate, Jarod Fox, MD, FIDSA, is among the 2024 class of distinguished physicians recognized by the Infectious Diseases Society of America.
Dr. Fox, who is the chair of the infectious diseases department for Orlando Health and the site director for the infectious diseases group at the institution’s Health Central Hospital in Ocoee, FL, was elected as a Society fellow in May 2024 and honored with the “FIDSA” designation.
“It is a huge honor to be recognized by my colleagues both locally and nationally,” said Dr. Fox.
A fellowship in IDSA is one of the highest honors in the field of infectious diseases. It recognizes professional excellence in and contributions to the field of infectious diseases. Dr. Fox is among 128 IDSA fellows for 2024 who were nominated by their peers and met criteria that included: continuing identification with the field of infectious diseases, national or regional recognition, and publication of scholarly work.
“The 128 individuals chosen to receive the FIDSA designation this year have demonstrated a commitment to advancing ID, and we are proud to honor their work and dedication,” IDSA President Steven K. Schmitt, MD, FIDSA, said in a press release announcing the fellows. “These ID physicians and scientists represent a community of leaders around the globe who are on the front lines of research and clinical care and represent the passion and commitment to educate and protect us from dangerous illness.”
An infectious disease physician specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Doctors who specialize in infectious diseases manage illnesses that affect every body system.
“I have always enjoyed microbiology and infectious diseases specialists are often referred to as the ‘Sherlock Holmes of medicine,’” said Dr. Fox. “We enjoy puzzles and figuring out the cause of a patient’s illness. I look forward to continuing my career in infectious disease for years to come and to mentor the next generation of medical detectives.”
A typical day for an infectious disease physician
A typical day in the hospital for Dr. Fox usually starts with a thorough review of patients’ microbiology labs. He then visits with his patients at their besides, reassuring them of any concerns. He makes any necessary changes to their treatment and strategizes with patients’ other treatment providers. Once a week, Dr. Fox sees patients who have been discharged from the hospital and meets with referrals from other physicians in an outpatient clinic.
“I have had a number of cases that have stuck with me over the years,” Dr. Fox said. “It is satisfying to be a part of a patient’s cure and to see them enjoy life again.”
Dr. Fox does all this and more as faculty member of Orlando Health’s infectious diseases fellowship program. He is also involved in the hospital’s antimicrobial stewardship program and infection prevention activities.
Improving antimicrobial stewardship can involve “restricting certain antibiotics to specific infections, recommendations to stop antibiotics when they are not necessary, and optimizing dosage of antimicrobials to ensure that patients receive the right drug at the right dosage for the right duration to treat their particular infection,” he said.
Career beginnings
Dr. Fox graduated from SGU’s School of Medicine in 2011. From there, he began an internal medicine residency at Memorial University Medical Center in Savannah, GA, completing it in 2014. He then moved on to an infectious disease fellowship at Orlando Health, which he completed in 2016, formally joining the medical group the following year.
“SGU allowed me the opportunity to learn both the science and art of medicine,” said Dr. Fox, who was born in Sulphur Springs, TX and grew up in Greenville, SC. “I enjoyed my time on the island in Grenada. The faculty on the island gave me my base of medical knowledge and a desire to be a lifelong learner which is required to be an outstanding physician.”
He also appreciated joining SGU’s vast alumni network of over 22,000 physicians. SGU-trained doctors have practiced in numerous specialties across the US and globally.
“For those looking to become a physician, SGU is a great place to learn,” Dr. Fox said. Graduates are “well prepared for whatever field they decide to go into.”
