Author: [AUTHOR] Published on 4/1/2025 12:00:00 AM
Kelly Dooley, MD, PhD, Professor, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
What does being an incoming At Large Board Member mean to you?
ASCPT has displayed impressive growth over the past several years, in terms of scope and offerings for members. I am eager to spend time with ASCPT leadership to think about how to get the message out about the good work ASCPT is doing, how to increase visibility of the field of clinical pharmacology to young people (to fill the pipeline), and how to accelerate further development of therapeutics for the patients who need them the most.
What are you looking forward to in your role as an At-Large Board Member?
I am looking forward to getting to know people in the field, across disciplines, and digging into ASCPT more deeply, to understand its operations and activities, with the goal of contributing to its continued growth as an organization.
What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?
I am most proud of my work on tuberculosis therapeutics and TB-HIV co-treatment that has led to changes in global guidelines for these infections.
What is the most important leadership lesson you have learned the hard way?
Bad outcomes related to inaction are equal to bad outcomes related to action. That is failing to do something that is needed or right is unacceptable, in the same way that doing something that causes harm is unacceptable. We sometimes encounter work environments that are toxic, and we are too slow to act.
What has inspired you in your career?
I admire Zarir Udwadia, an Indian pulmonologist who started his practice in Mumbai and was sent patients from local low-income areas who had hard-to-treat TB. He discovered the lung disease they had was highly drug resistant and that this was becoming more and more common – patients with no viable treatment options. He brought this to the attention of authorities and the world, despite the personal and professional risks. He is one of my heroes. I also admire Gavin Churchyard, Ian Sanne, and Andreas Diacon who build large research enterprises in South Africa, built on foundations of community service, unmet medical need, and strong, intentional collaborations.
What has been the greatest challenge in your career?
I would say it is the relentless nature of building a successful academic career. It requires sustained energy and a sense of mission. It is worthwhile, and I would not trade it for anything, but it is hard.
Do you have a favorite tip or trick that you want to share with fellow members?
It is almost always in the story. You can do physical exams and order tests of all kinds, but almost always, the answer is in the patient's story. You need to ask the right questions and take the time.
What is your favorite Society memory?
I loved working with Matt Risk, PhD, on the Infectious Disease (INF) Community. I enjoyed his positive energy and sense of humor.
When you are not working, how do you spend your free time?
I have recently become addicted to morning (pre-work) Boot Camp at the local YMCA. At some point soon, I will have huge muscles. I am also involved in a book club, which I adore, and the Aliance Francaise of Nashville, where I am polishing (or dredging up, rather) my French. We live near a park, so I enjoy long walks and bike rides there. And Nashville is a vibrant, creative city. As new arrivals, we have been exploring it – the music, Honky Tonk Tuesdays (with dance lessons), and the restaurant scene.
How do you keep focused and motivated?
I am motivated by unmet medical need – that is my driver and what keeps me focused on my work. There are forever emerging infectious diseases and pathogens that have no good treatments, so I feel compelled to continue to work hard to address knowledge gaps in this area. I am the director of the Infectious Disease division here, and my faculty colleagues inspire me and keep me moving forward, and my patients do the same.
What was your childhood dream job?
I could not have dreamed of a better job than I have. I truly feel it is the best job in the world, and I am fortunate to have it.
What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
I was a Peace Corps volunteer in Chad for two years, just after I graduated college. I taught algebra and geometry in French.
Dr. Dooley has been a member of ASCPT since 2006.
