Dr. Jeff Duchin, adjunct professor of epidemiology at the University of Washington School of Public Health, was appointed chair of the Public Health Committee of the Infectious Diseases Society of America for a two-year term. Dr. Duchin serves as a spokesperson for the society and works with staff and committee members on legislative issues, position papers, and education for national policy makers. He said current priorities include promoting more effective adult immunization, combating antimicrobial drug resistance, and promoting development of improved vaccines, particularly influenza and pertussis. Other goals include fostering bio-emergency preparedness and assuring capacity to detect and respond to infectious diseases.