Seher H. Anjum, M.D.
How would you summarize what you currently do at NIAID?
I work as a staff clinician in Dr. Peter Williamson’s Translational Mycology Section in NIAID. My role involves performing clinical research to understand the mechanisms underlying susceptibility to non-HIV cryptococcal infection, post-infectious neuro-inflammatory syndrome and its management. We typically get referrals for complicated cases which need extensive genetic, immunological, and clinical work up.
What does a typical day at work look like for you?
My day starts with answering important email and checking my calendar for meetings. If there is an inpatient, I usually attend LCIM (Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology) rounds with residents, fellows and other NIAID attendings and then go to clinic to see any scheduled ambulatory patients in clinic. Afternoons are usually to attend weekly Infectious Disease conferences, team meetings and work on research projects including writing protocols and scientific papers for submission to academic journals.
How long have you been at NIAID and what was your career path to arrive here?
After completing internal medicine residency at the University of Missouri at Kansas City, MO, I completed an Infectious Disease fellowship at UTMB Galveston, Texas which was clinically oriented. I did not have a strong research background then but was keen to develop my interest and gauge if this could be a long-term career path for me. I was contacted by Dr. Peter Williamson and after hearing about the inspiring work his lab was involved in with relation to HIV-negative cryptococcal infections, I decided this was the best option for me. I have now been at NIAID for 5 years and look forward to consolidating my research career further while here.
Are there any special or unique projects that you are working on?
I am excited about working on two new projects: one involving the use of Janus Kinase inhibitors to treat post-cryptococcal meningitis neuro-inflammation and the second, an external collaboration with more than 25 centers across the United States to study corticosteroid-related outcomes in non-HIV cryptococcal meningitis.
What do you like about working at NIAID?
The mentally stimulating work atmosphere and diversity among NIAID staff.
What are your future career goals?
I would like to further my scientific career as a principal investigator in the field of mycology with a special interest in clinical trials and drug development.
Do you have any advice to offer others who might be considering working at NIAID?
If you want to have an intellectually stimulating career in which you look forward to teaching, developing your own research projects and treating challenging patients while sustaining a healthy work-life balance, NIAID is a great option!
Is there any other interesting information that you think would be useful to highlight?
Speaking in depth to potential mentors or supervisors before joining NIAID is one of the most important steps in terms of defining career goals and ensuring a stable path at the beginning of your career.
Reference to Relevant Program Content
Infectious Disease Consult Service
African Postdoctoral Training Initiative