Departments

Yale Infectious Diseases cares for ambulatory and hospitalized patients with every variety of infectious disease. Specialized services are offered in such areas as traveler’s health, tick-borne diseases, HIV, and related disorders. Research explores such areas as Lyme disease, West Nile and Zika virus, microbial pathogenesis, pneumonia and UTI in older adults, HIV, meningitis, malaria and international health, and nosocomial infections. We are both consultants, working hand-in-hand with referring physicians or groups, and principal caregivers for our patients. Our care is multidisciplinary, involving skilled nurses, dietitians, social workers, and other physicians to deliver the best care possible. Specialized care is offered in the following areas: Hospital-acquired infection control and management Central nervous system infections Fungal infections Hospital epidemiology Traveler's medicine/international health HIV/AIDS Care Lyme disease and tick-borne illnesses Expertise in treating infections in solid organ and stem cell transplants Comprehensive AIDS care and prevention services for people living with and at risk for HIV Multiple observational studies and clinical trial expertise in the study of HIV, HCV, immunology of aging, pneumonia, pseudomonas, tuberculosis (including MDR), urinary tract infections, and tick- and mosquito-borne diseases

The physicians in our General Internal Medicine section are national leaders in their fields, and provide dedicated, comprehensive patient care in both inpatient and outpatient settings at several sites across Connecticut: At Yale Internal Medicine Associates in New Haven, we provide state-of-the-art general medical care for adults. At the New Haven Primary Care Consortium (NHPCC), located at 150 Sargent Drive in New Haven, CT, we provide comprehensive primary care, as well as specialized programs in traveling health, rheumatology, dermatology, podiatry, mental health, and addiction medicine. The Occupational and Environmental Medicine clinic focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases due to chemical, biological, and physical hazards in the workplace and environment. The Primary Care Center located at the VA Connecticut Healthcare System in West Haven is also a major clinical and teaching site, and provides specialized Women’s Health and stroke care. The Medicine-Pediatric Clinic is located at St. Mary’s Hospital, 133 Scovill Street, in Waterbury. The Yale Addiction Medicine Consult Services provide hospital-based addiction assessment and treatment to patients who are hospitalized at Yale New Haven Hospital. Specialized programs in dermatology, mental health, rheumatology, and health care for travelers Medical forensic exams for individuals with claims of torture who are seeking asylum in the U.S. Specialized program for the treatment of substance use disorders We are also involved in community outreach and service programs that expand the reach of our research and clinical programs. Our research programs in such areas as substance abuse, occupational medicine, and chronic disease management provide our patients in the community with a variety of opportunities to access care and improve their health. Many of our faculty members are graduates of the Robert Wood Johnson Clinical Scholars Program.

At Laboratory Medicine, we study the molecular and cellular components of blood and other body fluids. This work is crucial to diagnosing and managing illness and understanding the mechanisms and origins of disease.Our physicians, known as clinical pathologists, provide consultations to other doctors regarding optimal laboratory diagnostic approaches and the interpretation of complex laboratory tests. Our team includes pathologists, scientists, phlebotomists, medical technicians, technologists, and others who perform important support functions for our state-of-the-art laboratory. We are available every day, 24 hours a day, for physicians. We perform approximately 10 million tests each year, and also provide specialized high-tech testing to other hospitals in the Yale New Haven Health System and institutions throughout New England, and as far away as Puerto Rico. We also operate multiple satellite facilities and patient service centers located throughout the state. We ensure that every test we offer—at every location—is accurate and reliable. When physicians request to have patients’ blood drawn, here is what happens: Collection: A doctor, nurse, technician, or phlebotomist will draw the patient’s blood. Several tubes may be needed for different types of tests. Depending on what illness the patient might have, his or her doctor may want to obtain a urine sample, throat swab, or other sample. After the sample is collected, the container is labeled with the patient’s name and other information. The sample is received and processed by the Laboratory, and testing begins: Chemistry Testing Blood and other bodily fluids are tested for chemicals, drugs, and substances that indicate disease. We check cholesterol and other tests for risk of heart disease, glucose to monitor diabetes, or thyroxin to monitor the thyroid gland. Hematology Testing We analyze the amount and function of blood cells and plasma. Examples include the Complete Blood Count (CBC) that tells the doctor how many cells of each type are in the patient’s blood, and the prothrombin time (PT) to measure the time it takes for the blood to clot. Microbiology Testing We test a variety of specimen samples for infections caused by bacteria, fungi, or parasites. We often do urine cultures for urinary tract infections. Virology Testing We test for viral infections. This includes rapid tests for respiratory viruses such as influenza, molecular tests for noroviruses, and antibody tests for HIV. Immunology/Molecular Diagnostics Some tests are used to determine whether the immune system is functioning properly. State-of-the-art analysis of DNA and RNA is used to test for a variety of diseases and for the risk of developing certain diseases. Other specialized tests include the ANA, used to screen for autoimmune disease, and Factor V Leiden genotyping for patients with blood clots. Tumor Profiling Laboratory This lab analyzes tumor DNA to predict the sensitivity or resistance of tumors to a

At the Yale Pediatric Infectious Diseases Consultation Program, our internationally recognized team of clinicians focuses on treating a wide array of viral, bacterial, and parasitic infections. Through our outpatient clinical services, we diagnose and treat infectious diseases in children. In addition to HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and Lyme disease, our doctors are experts in: Acquired and congenital infections in newborns Infections in immunocompromised patients Fungal infections Respiratory tract infections Tropical medicine and parasitology Transplant ID Outpatient consultations in Infectious Diseases are provided at The Children's Hospital at Yale New Haven, the major teaching hospital of the Yale School of Medicine. Appointments require a referral from a Primary care provider. To schedule a consultation, physicians should call the YM CARE Center at 1-877-925-3637 (1-877-YALE MDS).

Our program, focused on adult primary care, is known for its excellence and emphasis on prevention and wellness. We efficiently manage potential medical problems as they arise, and collaborate with specialists when needed. Our practice includes internal medicine physicians, advanced nurse practitioners, a clinical psychologist, a social worker, registered-nurse patient care coordinators, licensed practical nurses, medical assistants, clerical office staff, and a practice supervisor. Our goal is to provide patients with the highest quality, personalized healthcare in the Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) model of care. The PCMH model of care focuses on five areas: Building strong, collaborative health care teams that work together to meet the needs of patients Providing patient-centered care addressing the whole person, respecting patients’ values and preferences Coordinating comprehensive health care through clear communication among patients, families, caregivers, medical and behavioral health providers, hospitals, and other facilities Improving patients’ access to care, through such initiatives as expanded office hours and providing email access to electronic medical records Improving health care quality and standards by providing evidence-based care, patient and family education, and self-management support We would like to hear your direct feedback regarding your experience as a patient/family member of our clinic. Please visit the YIMA Patient/Family Comment Box to provide your feedback. Sign up for MyChart , our secure online patient portal, that gives you access to all of your Yale health information whenever you need it, wherever you may be.

Our internationally recognized team of clinicians focuses on treating a wide array of viral, bacterial, and parasitic infections. Through our outpatient clinical services, we diagnose and treat infectious diseases in children from throughout New England and the Mid-Atlantic states. In addition to HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and Lyme disease, our doctors are experts in: Acquired and congenital infections in newborns Infections in immunocompromised patients Fungal infections Respiratory tract infections Tropical medicine and parasitology

We provide expert evaluation and treatment to adult and pediatric patients across the entire spectrum of allergic and immunologic disorders. Our board-certified specialists have specific clinical and scientific expertise, and are highly capable of providing comprehensive, thoughtful care from the most common to the rarest conditions. Our physicians meet weekly to discuss the management of complicated cases. Yale has been the site of several key research breakthroughs in the field, including the discovery of new inherited immunological diseases and the development of a crucial understanding of the underlying causes of allergies. We offer comprehensive evaluation of both common and rare allergy and immunology conditions, including allergy skin and blood testing, oral food challenges, drug allergy testing, and contact dermatitis patch testing. We offer allergic rhinitis and asthma care through recommendations for environmental controls and pharmacological controller therapy, and biologic therapies for severe asthma, chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis, as well as chronic urticaria and hereditary angioedema. We have expertise in management of immune deficiencies with intravenous and subcutaneous immunoglobulin replenishment. We also provide consultations for drug allergy desensitization when needed. Among the conditions we treat are: Allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (nasal and eye allergies) Asthma Chronic rhinosinusitis Food allergy Insect sting allergy Medication allergy Urticaria (hives) Angioedema Hereditary angioedema Atopic Dermatitis Contact Dermatitis Common variable immunodeficiency Secondary immune deficiencies Our service has specific strength in the management of inherited immune deficiencies, with a dedicated service that closely collaborates with experts across other specialties. Through a long-standing collaboration with Yale Laboratory Medicine, patients have access to a broad array of state-of-the-art immunological testing. Our care for children and adolescents includes treatment for: Asthma Our doctors collaborate with colleagues in the Pediatric Asthma Program to ensure that our patients receive comprehensive asthma care, including: Evaluation, diagnosis, and management of childhood asthma for patients with varying degrees of severity Testing for allergic precipitants Mechanical analysis of respiratory function Outreach care at patients' homes when needed Allergy Testing for allergens, desensitization, and immunotherapy Allergic rhinoconjunctivitis Drug allergy Food allergy Insect venom allergy Urticaria (hives), mastocytosis, anaphylaxis Hereditary angioedema Primary Immunodeficiency and Recurrent Infections Testing for antibody deficiency, cellular immunodeficiency, and complement disorders Treatment of primary immunodeficiency diseases, including intravenous immunoglobulin therapy Evaluation and management of recurrent infections, including fungal infections

The Center for Thoracic Cancers at Smilow Cancer Hospital consists of a multidisciplinary team of experts dedicated to providing evaluation of and treatment for patients with a thoracic malignancy, including lung cancer, esophageal cancer, thymoma, or chest wall tumors. Patients in Connecticut and beyond have access to nationally recognized expert clinicians, who provide an organized, collaborative approach to cancer care, as well as the latest technologies and treatments. Our team consists of a collaboration of specialty physicians, including medical oncology, radiation oncology, thoracic surgery, pulmonary medicine, digestive diseases, pathology, diagnostic imaging, and nursing. In addition to our expert clinicians, patients also receive comprehensive care to help with the physical, emotional, and psychological issues that are part of confronting cancer. Patients also benefit from the attention of the team's care coordinators, who make management of even the most detailed multidisciplinary treatment plan less complicated. Our team is active in clinical research, and focuses on developing advances to care in areas of thoracic oncology where the standard treatment needs improvement and where the optimal treatment approach remains unclear. To provide the best care, most of our patients are enrolled in a clinical trial where they can receive innovative therapy for their advanced disease, including immunotherapy, which was first used in clinical trials at Smilow Cancer Hospital. The Center for Thoracic Cancers offers second opinions that are easy, convenient, and all done remotely. Call (203) 200-LUNG for more information and learn how to schedule a second opinion appointment with one of our providers. Medical Oncology Our medical oncologists are nationally recognized for their leadership and expertise in lung cancer treatment and research, and are dedicated to offering personalized treatment options. Biomarker testing is often performed on the tumor to look for specific mutations that can be targeted by medication. There are currently FDA-approved lung cancer treatments for tumors showing abnormalities in EGFR, KRAS, ALK, ROS1, BRAF V600E, MET, RET , and NTRK genes. Recent studies conducted at Yale have led to FDA approval of drugs for the treatment of lung cancer, such as the immunotherapy drug Tecentriq (atezolizumab), which has been proven to improve patient survival for newly diagnosed NSCLC. This drug is designed to block PD-L1, a protein that was discovered by scientists at Yale and that has been instrumental in improving survival for lung cancer patients. Another FDA-approved drug, osimertinib, which stemmed from Yale Cancer Center and Smilow Cancer Hospital researchers, was approved for the treatment of adults with early-stage NSCLC with EGFR gene mutations. Surgery Many patients in need of surgery are referred for a minimally invasive surgery known as a video-assisted thoracoscopi

At the Yale Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) program, our highly trained and skilled specialists provide comprehensive and multidisciplinary treatment to patients with COPD, an inflammatory lung disease that obstructs airflow from the lungs, making it increasingly difficult to breathe. We care for individuals: With emphysema With chronic bronchitis With COPD with associated bronchiectasis With asthma/COPD overlap With COPD/obstructive sleep apnea overlap With combined emphysema and pulmonary fibrosis (in conjunction with our interstitial lung disease team) Who experience frequent disease exacerbations and/or hospitalizations Under consideration for surgical therapies for emphysema (such as bullectomy, lung volume reduction surgery, and lung transplantation) Who need a pre-operative respiratory assessment for other forms of surgery With a suspected genetic basis for their disease (such as alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency) With chronic respiratory failure related to COPD Patients suffering from COPD may experience flare-ups that require hospitalization, leaving them feeling weaker. Our physicians tailor treatment plans to help them manage their COPD so that they can live life to the fullest. Our physicians are also exploring therapies and medications that can help patients in the future. Whether patients have mild symptoms, need rehabilitation, or assisted ventilation, we can help. We also offer lung volume reduction surgery or lung transplantation to eligible patients. The Yale COPD program is staffed by two pulmonologists, a pulmonary specialist nurse practitioner, nurses, and respiratory therapists with special expertise in COPD. We arrange visits for patients with other specialist providers as needed, including cardiologists, thoracic surgeons, thoracic oncologists, palliative care specialists, otolaryngologists, allergists/immunologists, sleep medicine specialists, and health psychologists. The Yale COPD Program receives referrals for patients with difficult-to-control symptoms and/or frequent acute disease exacerbations, those who do not respond well to routine medical therapies, those with co-occurring complex medical conditions or overlap syndromes (as detailed above), those who may require surgical therapies, and those who have advanced disease with chronic respiratory failure. Providers in the COPD Program perform comprehensive evaluations and develop individualized care plans for all patients, with the goal of partnering closely with each patient’s primary care and other specialist providers. In addition, opportunities to participate in clinical research trials of new therapies in COPD are often available through our collaboration with the Yale Center for Asthma and Airways Disease (203-500-3808).

More than a century ago, the Winchester Center for Lung Disease was founded with the goal of providing care to patients with tuberculosis, a chronic bacterial infection that usually affects the lungs. Today, we remain firmly committed to that original mission. Located at Yale New Haven Hospital in New Haven and at 6 Devine Street in North Haven, we are the regional referral center for tuberculosis and nontuberculous mycobacterial diseases. Though the number of active cases of tuberculosis continues to decline in the United States, tuberculosis as a global problem remains an enormous challenge. In an era where disease can easily cross national and geographic boundaries, the need for an active and highly educated tuberculosis service is clear. We treat active cases and identify and evaluate patients with latent tuberculosis infection. We are also actively engaged in outreach based in adult education centers in the New Haven area, screening and caring for high risk people, who often have limited access to health care.

Our asthma and airway disease experts offer comprehensive, multidisciplinary treatment for a broad spectrum of conditions including: Treatment-resistant asthma Steroid-dependent asthma Steroid-resistant asthma Environmental and occupational asthma Exercise-induced asthma We frequently take care of patients with chronic cough, asthma that is difficult to control, as well as those whose condition is difficult to diagnose and who may be significantly affected by such co-occurring illnesses as gastroesophageal reflux, sinusitis, or vocal-cord dysfunction. We develop individualized care plans for all patients, with the goal of forming a working partnership with the referring primary care provider. Our skilled group includes three pulmonologists, one physician assistant, asthma nurse coordinators, and pulmonary function technicians trained in asthma education. We work closely with our colleagues in allergy and immunology, otolaryngology, gastroenterology and occupational and environmental medicine to coordinate an efficient and comprehensive process of evaluation for patients with complicated asthma. In conjunction with occupational and environmental medicine specialists, we may perform workplace or home environmental evaluations.

Covering every aspect of health care for adults, Internal Medicine is the largest department in the Yale School of Medicine, and the largest clinical service at Yale New Haven Hospital. We provide comprehensive and specialized services in all areas in a variety of outpatient settings as well as the Veterans Affairs (VA) Connecticut Health Care System campus in West Haven. Our culture of collaboration and research gives patients access to expert opinions from nearly 1,000 doctors, as well as opportunities to get tomorrow’s health care today through more than 100 clinical trials. Most importantly, we attend to our diverse community of patients with compassionate, thorough care. Specialized care is offered in the following areas: Allergy & clinical immunology Cardiovascular medicine Digestive diseases Endocrinology General internal medicine Geriatrics Hematology Infectious diseases Medical oncology Occupational health & environmental medicine Nephrology Pulmonology, critical care & sleep medicine Rheumatology International reputation for work in understanding function, independence, and quality of life in older persons Key research breakthroughs of the past decade that include the development of a protective Lyme bacillus disease vaccine, exploration of the underlying causes of allergic disease, and the discovery of novel inherited immunological diseases Largest interventional cardiology program in Connecticut Major referral center for patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, as well as other metabolic conditions Nationally ranked program in kidney diseases and the largest kidney transplant program in New England, with multidisciplinary care clinics One of the largest peripheral vascular programs in the country, with leadership and participation in multiple new percutaneous device trials Once of only a few motility centers in Connecticut to provide all motility procedures and services Unique medical forensic exams for individuals with claims of torture who are seeking asylum in the U.S.