Meghan May and Dora Anne Mills speak out on superbugs
The recent outbreak of an antibiotic-resistant superbug called CRE spurred Meghan May, Ph.D., assistant professor of Microbiology, and Dora Anne Mills, M.D., M.P.H., F.A.A.P., to pen an op-ed for the Portland Press Herald this morning.
Their piece discussed the prevalence and steady increase of other similar infections across the country in recent years. Due to the lack of treatment options for such superbugs, May and Mills explained the importance of innovative research to address the problem.
The article continued by listing the multitude of ways UNE specifically is attacking the issue:
- A collaborative research effort between UNE and Indiana University for faster detection of antibiotic resistance and expanded treatment options.
- Student involvement in this research, leading to more informed and prepared future physicians.
- Interprofessional health care team-training, resulting in more effective communication and collaboration, fewer medical errors and reduced instances of infection transmission.
May and Mills concluded the article by mentioning that UNE is not only a leader in translational microbiology research, but is also the largest institution for health professional education in the state, and as such, is actively working to make a difference in the health of Maine’s communities.