Leena Bhattacharya Mithal

Dr. Leena Bhattacharya Mithal is an Associate Professor in Pediatrics (Infectious Diseases) at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine, practicing at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital. Her research focuses on perinatal microbial exposures, immune responses in neonates, and translational interventions for congenital infections like CMV. Clinical specialties include treating severe pediatric infections, transplant-related infections, and sepsis. She holds leadership roles in organizations such as the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society and Society for Pediatric Research.

Education includes a BA from Northwestern University (2004), MD from Feinberg School of Medicine (2008), and Master of Science in Clinical Investigation (2016). Postgraduate training includes residency at Baylor College of Medicine.

Research interests span SARS-CoV-2 in pregnancy, microbiome impacts on infant health, and proteomic biomarkers for preterm care. Awards include multiple teaching distinctions from Feinberg and PIDS Fellowship. She edits BMC Infectious Diseases and Annals of Medicine, and leads national initiatives in sepsis outcomes and maternal immunization strategies.