Richard A. Martinello, MD

Richard Martinello, MD, is a Yale Medicine infectious disease expert who is passionate about the prevention of healthcare-associated infections and respiratory viruses, especially influenza. He is also the medical director of the Infection Prevention department at Yale New Haven Health.

“The world of bacteria, virus, and fungi is fascinating,” says Dr. Martinello. “Each microbe is its own character with its own personality and behavior. Improving our understanding of these microbes helps us to better prevent infections and identify and treat infections when they occur.”

This is of particular importance for infections that can be acquired in the hospital and other healthcare settings, he says.

“Our patients come to our offices, labs, and our hospitals for the care they need to improve their health and well-being,” Dr. Martinello says. “Unfortunately, healthcare settings are intrinsically risky for acquiring infections—patients who may be sick come together to receive care and many of the lifesaving aspects of care received, such as surgery and even antibiotics, can place patients at risk for acquiring infections. I truly enjoy partnering with my team and colleagues to work together to create safer ways to care for our patients.”

Dr. Martinello is an associate professor of medicine and pediatrics (infectious disease) at Yale School of Medicine. He researches the prevention of healthcare-associated infections and the epidemiology of respiratory viruses.