Jonathan Baghdadi

Jonathan Baghdadi, MD, PhD, serves as Associate Professor in the Department of Epidemiology & Public Health at the University of Maryland School of Medicine with a secondary appointment in Medicine, and holds the position of Associate Hospital Epidemiologist at University of Maryland Medical Center - Midtown Campus. His clinical expertise centers on infection prevention, antimicrobial stewardship, and early sepsis care within hospital settings.

His academic foundation includes a PhD in Health Policy and Management from UCLA Fielding School of Public Health (2019), an MD from New York University School of Medicine (2010), and a BA in Chemistry from Columbia College (2006).

Dr. Baghdadi's research program focuses on diagnostic quality and safety, specifically diagnostic stewardship and error reduction in infectious diseases. He investigates sepsis management protocols, Clostridoides difficile infection dynamics, and antimicrobial stewardship through large-scale epidemiological studies, aiming to transform diagnostic decision-making and improve patient outcomes in acute care environments.

Analysis of his publication record reveals consistent emphasis on healthcare-associated infections and diagnostic processes. His work demonstrates how cognitive factors influence antibiotic prescribing, examines pandemic-era infection patterns, and challenges assumptions about sepsis bundle efficacy - all through rigorous analysis of multi-institutional patient cohorts spanning tens of thousands of cases.

His scientific contributions are recognized through numerous accolades:

• Special Friend of Nursing Award, UMMC National Nurses Week 2022
• National Academy of Medicine Scholar in Diagnostic Excellence, 2021
• SHEA Epi Project Competition Winner, 2021
• Vanessa Ajayi Annual Safety Award, UMMC Midtown Campus, 2021
• Baltimore Orioles Healthcare Heroes, 2020
• UCLA DOM Research Day poster competition (4th place), 2018
• IDWeek Research Abstract Travel Awards (2015, 2016)
• Career development fellowships including AHRQ K08 (2022-2026) and UMB ICTR/CTSA KL2 (2021-2022)

Dr. Baghdadi secures substantial research funding including the CDC SHEPheRD Program and AHRQ K08 award to advance diagnostic excellence initiatives. As Associate Hospital Epidemiologist, he leads multidisciplinary infection prevention teams implementing evidence-based protocols for reducing healthcare-associated infections and optimizing antimicrobial use across clinical workflows.