Infectious diseases physicians specialise in the diagnosis, management, and control of illnesses caused by existing and emerging pathogens, including bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses. Their work is cross-disciplinary and spans aspects of clinical, laboratory, and public health medicine.

Infectious diseases physicians provide holistic care, considering impacts of their management strategies on patients, families, whānau, and/or carers, and the wider community. Their work includes:

Investigating and treating infectious diseases, ranging from common infections to rare and emerging pathogens. Infectious diseases physicians use their expertise in microbiology, epidemiology, and clinical medicine to identify specific infectious agents and prescribe appropriate treatment tailored to the patient’s condition.

Providing leadership and education for others in antimicrobial use and stewardship.

Understanding and assisting with infection control, working together with hospital infection control and public health teams.

Preventing and controlling the spread of infectious diseases. Infectious diseases physicians manage infection prevention and control by involving a comprehensive approach aimed at minimising the transmission of pathogens, protecting individuals and communities, and managing outbreaks effectively. They also play a key role in developing and implementing policies and procedures related to infections, diagnostics, and antimicrobial stewardship.

Using innovative laboratory technologies. Infectious diseases physicians embrace and leverage laboratory technologies to enhance diagnostic accuracy, track disease outbreaks, and monitor antimicrobial resistance patterns.

Using a holistic patient care approach Infectious diseases physicians take a holistic approach to diagnose, treat, and support patients affected by a wide range of infections.

Infectious diseases physicians require expertise in clinical diagnosis and treatment, epidemiology, antimicrobial stewardship, laboratory diagnostics, interdisciplinary collaboration, research, and effective communication. They have skills in:

  • Application of a scholarly approach

    Infectious diseases physicians’ expertise contributes to shaping policies, promoting public health initiatives, and ensuring effective management of infectious disease challenges at local, national, and global levels. In addition, infectious diseases physicians must consider the importance of antimicrobial stewardship, the costs associated with newer antimicrobial agents, and the influence of the pharmaceutical industry on clinical practice, research priorities, and healthcare advocacy efforts.

  • Assessment of outbreaks

    Infectious diseases physicians continually assess outbreaks of emerging and reemerging infectious diseases, monitoring the significant national and global consequences. Infectious diseases physicians play a vital role in safeguarding not only the health of their individual patients but also the overall wellbeing of the community.

  • Coordination and management with microbiology laboratories

    Infectious diseases physicians rely on strong communication and collaborative relationships with microbiology laboratories and microbiologists.

  • Demonstrating leadership

    Leadership is shown in the clinical management of infections, response to outbreaks and infection control, antimicrobial use, guideline development, and quality improvement.

  • Global developments

    Infectious diseases physicians need to stay up to date with global developments in infectious diseases and their local implications, enabling them to provide expert consultation and guidance to other specialist practitioners on infection-related matters.

  • Advocacy within the community

    Infectious diseases physicians play a crucial role in promoting informed discussions and raising political and community awareness through evidence-based advocacy on critical issues.

  • Working as an integral part of a multidisciplinary team

    Infectious diseases physicians must interpret clinical test results, collaborate effectively with other hospital subspecialties, and coordinate care with external healthcare providers.

Last modified: Thursday, 27 November 2025, 12:20 PM