Steven Pergam

Dr. Steven Pergam is a Professor at the University of Washington School of Medicine in the Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. He simultaneously holds professorship positions at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in both the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division and the Clinical Research Division. As Medical Director of Infection Prevention at Fred Hutch, Dr. Pergam leads initiatives to protect immunocompromised patients from infectious complications through evidence-based protocols and innovative prevention strategies.

Dr. Pergam's educational background includes:

• MPH in Epidemiology from University of Washington School of Public Health (2008)
• MD from University of Nebraska School of Medicine (1998)
• BA from Dartmouth College (1993)

Dr. Pergam specializes in infectious diseases affecting immunocompromised populations, particularly cancer patients and transplant recipients. His research focuses on understanding risk factors for infections in these vulnerable groups and developing prevention strategies. Key areas include cytomegalovirus in transplant patients, respiratory virus transmission patterns, microbiome interactions, and antibiotic-resistant infections. His work has led to significant improvements in infection prevention protocols, including refined approaches to CMV prevention in cord blood transplant recipients and optimized influenza vaccination programs that achieve high compliance rates without mandatory policies. The Pergam Group has demonstrated that pre-transplant MRSA screening has limited value in HCT recipients, influencing national screening practices.

Dr. Pergam's research portfolio shows strong emphasis on practical clinical applications that directly impact patient care. His team developed aggressive infection prevention programs that successfully contained respiratory virus outbreaks at their center in 2007 and 2012. During the COVID-19 pandemic, his expertise became critical as he co-led the National Comprehensive Cancer Network committee that developed vaccination recommendations for cancer patients, addressing unique challenges faced by immunocompromised individuals during the pandemic.

Dr. Pergam has received recognition including the Dr. Ali Al-Johani Award, which honors exceptional medical care and compassion to transplant patients and families. His contributions extend beyond direct patient care to shaping national guidelines and influencing infection control practices across cancer centers.

As principal investigator of the Pergam Group, he oversees multiple research projects investigating diarrheal pathogens in transplant recipients, CMV risk stratification, antibiotic resistance patterns, and respiratory virus prevention strategies. His work on fluoroquinolone prophylaxis demonstrated that resistance rates did not increase despite significant antibiotic pressure, though concerns remain about mortality associated with resistant organisms. He has been instrumental in developing active declination methods for influenza vaccination that achieve high compliance rates while respecting patient autonomy.

Dr. Pergam maintains an active presence in public health communication, with expertise frequently sought by major media outlets including The New York Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, and numerous broadcast outlets. His ability to translate complex medical concepts for public understanding has made him a valuable resource during health crises, particularly regarding protection of vulnerable populations.