GUNTER
​RIEG

Microbes and Us

 In this presentation, we will explore this interaction between microorganisms and humans, reflect on epidemics and infectious diseases which changed history, societies and individuals. He will discuss current practices and challenges in facing microorganisms and infections.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
As a result of this activity, the participant should be better able to: 

• Discuss the historical impact of infections and infectious diseases on world history 
• Recognize the current challenges of novel and emerging microorganisms 
• Be able to reflect on the impact of medical practice on multidrug resistant organisms and microbiomes

Gunter Rieg is an Infectious Diseases Specialist at Kaiser Permanente / Southern California Permanente Medical Group. He started his professional career at the University Hospital in Frankfurt, Germany during the early days of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. He experienced the uncertainty of this new infection and was involved in early clinical studies to find treatments to combat HIV and AIDS. He then relocated to California to enhance his career by focusing on molecular fungal research as well as to continue his clinical research. His academic interests further involved into the impact of multidrug resistant bacteria on healthcare delivery and into systems to preserve the benefit of antibiotics. In addition to his academic and research interest, Dr Rieg has continued to practice medicine as an infectious diseases expert throughout most of his career. 

In this presentation, we will explore this interaction between microorganisms and humans, reflect on epidemics and infectious diseases which changed history, societies and individuals. He will discuss current practices and challenges in facing microorganisms and infections