William J. Steinbach

Dr. William J. Steinbach is the Robert H. Fiser, Jr. MD Endowed Chair in Pediatrics, Chair of Pediatrics, and Associate Dean for Child Health at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS). As Pediatrician-in-Chief at Arkansas Children’s Hospital, he leads clinical and academic efforts in pediatric infectious diseases. Previously, he held the Samuel L. Katz Distinguished Professorship and Vice-Chair of Research at Duke University School of Medicine.

• Administrative Roles: Department Chair of Pediatrics, Associate Dean for Child Health, Pediatrician-in-Chief
• Research Focus: Molecular mechanisms of invasive fungal infections in immunocompromised children, diagnostic biomarkers, and clinical trial development
• Leadership: Founded the International Pediatric Fungal Network (55 global sites), co-developed pediatric fungal infection guidelines

His research spans laboratory studies on Aspergillus fumigatus pathogenesis to multicenter clinical trials. Key achievements include FDA-approved diagnostic biomarkers and first pediatric-specific treatment guidelines. He has co-edited 14 textbooks, including Feigin & Cherry’s Textbook of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Pediatric Transplant and Oncology Infectious Diseases.

Dr. Steinbach’s work emphasizes translational research bridging molecular biology and clinical care. His lab investigates fungal signal transduction pathways and develops novel antifungal therapeutics. Recent studies focus on improving enteral antifungal therapies and combating antifungal resistance.

• Awards/Honors: Fellow of the American Society for Clinical Investigation, Member of the Association of American Physicians, Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society

Grants and funding include long-term NIH support for pediatric fungal infection research. He advises on national/international guidelines and serves on committees for the American Academy of Pediatrics and Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society.

Labs/Teams: Directs the UAMS Pediatric Fungal Research Lab and leads the International Pediatric Fungal Network. Collaborates with global institutions on clinical trials and diagnostic tool development.