OMA Member Spotlight: Championing Infectious Disease with Dr. Judith Guzman-Cottrill, DO FSHEA, FIDSA

March 28, 2024 

Meet Oregon Medical Association (OMA) member, Judith Guzman-Cottrill, DO, FSHEA, FIDSA. Dr. Guzman-Cottrill is a dynamic force driving change and innovation in pediatric infectious disease, right here in our community. As Professor of Pediatrics in the Division of Infectious Diseases at Oregon Health and Science University, Dr. Guzman-Cottrill’s journey has been one fueled by passion, commitment, and a deep-rooted desire to make a tangible difference in the lives of patients and families.

Her journey towards becoming a leading authority in her field began with a solid foundation in education and training.  Having completed her infectious disease fellowship at Northwestern University’s Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago, a residency in pediatrics at Advocate Lutheran General Children’s Hospital, and her medical degree at Midwestern University’s Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dr. Guzman-Cottrill embarked on a career marked by dedication, innovation, and impactful contributions.

From the start of her career, Dr. Guzman-Cottrill has been an active contributor to both our local and national healthcare landscape.  Her tenure as Hospital Epidemiologist and Medical Director of Infection Prevention at Dorenbecher Children’s Hospital from 2004 to 2015 saw significant advancements in infection control practices, directly impacting the well-being of patients in our community.  And on a national level, her collaborative effort with the Ronald McDonald House Charities resulted in a 2013 publication of the guideline, Infection Prevention and Control in Residential Facilities for Pediatric Patients and Their Families, now the standard operations reference document for over 380 Ronald McDonald Houses worldwide.

Beyond the confines of hospital walls, Dr. Guzman-Cottrill established Infection Prevention Consulting, providing invaluable expertise to local healthcare initiatives and organizations.  Her leadership with the Society of Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) has also left an indelible mark on our community, helping to shape best practices and preparedness in healthcare-associated infection prevention.  Through her position as Medical Director for the Oregon Health Authority’s Project Firstline, Dr. Guzman-Cottrill has been instrumental in developing the OMA’s Infection Control and Prevention toolkit; offering free education and resources to clinicians and their teams.

Today, as the Curriculum Director of the CDC-funded national LEAP Fellowship program, Dr. Guzman-Cottrill continues to nurture the next generation of infectious disease physicians, instilling in them the values of collaboration, compassion, and excellence.  Her expertise and leadership extend far beyond medical textbooks; they resonate within our community, touching the lives of countless individuals and families.

Dr. Guzman-Cottrill’s impact is not confined to the realm of infectious diseases; it is a testament to the power of passion and purpose in transforming healthcare for the better, right here in our own backyard.