Alison J. Carey

Dr. Alison J. Carey, MD is an Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Microbiology & Immunology at Drexel University College of Medicine. She serves as an attending neonatologist at St. Christopher's Hospital for Children in Philadelphia, where she provides specialized care for newborns requiring intensive medical attention. Her dual appointment reflects her integrated work bridging basic science research with clinical neonatology.

Dr. Carey's research program focuses on mechanisms of age-specific host-pathogen responses, particularly in neonatal viral infections. Her laboratory has established a clinically relevant model of neonatal influenza virus infection using 3-day-old mice to investigate both innate and adaptive immune responses. Key research areas include infant immune system development, respiratory viral infections, and the type I interferon response in neonates. Her work has revealed critical differences between neonatal and adult immune responses to pathogens, particularly regarding CD8+ T cell function and interferon-mediated responses.

Analysis of Dr. Carey's recent publications (2019-2025) reveals a strong focus on neonatal immunity to viral infections, particularly influenza, with increasing attention to antimicrobial stewardship in the NICU. Her research program has evolved from basic mechanisms of neonatal immune responses to include clinical quality improvement initiatives, demonstrating her commitment to translating basic science findings into improved clinical care for infants.

• Named "Top Doctor" by Philadelphia Magazine (2018, 2021, 2023, 2024, 2025)
• Mid-Career Clinical Scientist Award, Drexel University College of Medicine (2024)

Dr. Carey has secured significant research funding including a biomedical research grant from the American Lung Association for her project on "Identification of the Toll-like Receptor Mediating Lactobacillus rhamnosus Protection in Neonatal Mice." Her research has been highlighted by the American Lung Association and has informed clinical practice in neonatal care, particularly in antibiotic stewardship and infection prevention. She has mentored numerous researchers and clinicians through her laboratory work and clinical teaching.

Dr. Carey's laboratory utilizes multiple approaches including animal models (particularly neonatal mice), in vitro work, and ex vivo studies on human cord blood to investigate neonatal immune responses. Her team has made significant contributions to understanding why newborns are particularly susceptible to infections and how their immune responses differ from adults, with implications for vaccine development and therapeutic interventions for this vulnerable population.