Dr. Tempe K. Chen from Miller Children's & Women's Hospital Receives Highest Honor in Pediatric Infectious Disease

LONG BEACH, Calif., Feb. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Tempe K. Chen, M.D., a distinguished pediatric infectious disease specialist from Miller Children's & Women's Hospital in Long Beach, Calif., has been recognized as a Fellow by both the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) and the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society (PIDS). Fellowship in IDSA and PIDS is one of the highest honors awarded in the field of infectious diseases, recognizing physicians and scientists from across the globe who have demonstrated professional excellence and contributed significantly to the profession.

"Advancing to Fellow of IDSA and PIDS is a tremendous honor, and I'm humbled by the opportunity to join such incredible thought leaders and 'giants' in the field of infectious disease," says Dr. Chen. "With this recognition, I will continue to highlight the importance of pediatric infectious disease specialty care and to do what is needed to keep our communities healthy and safe."

Dr. Chen's recognition reflects her impactful work and dedication to advancing infectious disease research, patient care, and community health. As a new Fellow, she joins an elite group of only 27 professionals selected for the PIDS fellowship, as well as 128 distinguished experts recognized by IDSA in 2024 – a testament to her expertise and influence within the specialized field of infectious disease. In addition to her clinical expertise, Dr. Chen has made meaningful contributions to infectious disease education and advocacy, supporting Miller Children's & Women's mission to deliver compassionate, high-quality care to children and families.

"The 128 individuals chosen to receive the Fellow IDSA designation have demonstrated a commitment to advancing ID, and we are proud to honor their work and dedication," says Steven K. Schmitt, M.D., FIDSA, president of IDSA. "These ID physicians and scientists represent a community of leaders around the globe who are on the front lines of research and clinical care and represent the passion and commitment to educate and protect us from dangerous illness. We all benefit from their vital contributions to our communities, and I am proud to work and learn alongside them."

Applicants for IDSA and PIDS Fellowship must be nominated by their peers and meet specified criteria, including continuing identification with infectious diseases, national or regional recognition and publication of their scholarly work. Nominees are reviewed and elected by the IDSA and PIDS Board of Directors. Fellows of IDSA and PIDS work in many different settings, including clinical practice, teaching, research, public health, and health care administration.

"Fellowship is a tradition at many societies to honor the highest level of achievement in that group," says Bill Steinbach, M.D., FPIDS, president of PIDS. "Fellowship in PIDS is designed to recognize our colleagues who have a collection of work that embodies the academic, clinical, and educational accomplishments that distinguish those at the top of our field." 

As an esteemed member of Miller Children's & Women's, Dr. Chen has dedicated her career to improving pediatric infectious disease care, with a special focus on the health and well-being of children in Southern California. Her expertise has not only strengthened the hospital's infectious disease care services but has also expanded knowledge and protocols, benefiting patients, families, and the broader healthcare community.

"Our community at Miller Children's & Women's is immensely proud of Dr. Chen's achievements and her dedication to the field of pediatric infectious disease," says Graham Tse, M.D., chief medical officer, Miller Children's & Women's Hospital. "Her expertise and compassionate care have been instrumental in supporting the health of our youngest patients, and this well-deserved recognition is a testament to her leadership and commitment to advancing healthcare."

About Miller Children's & Women's Hospital:
MemorialCare Miller Children's & Women's Hospital is a part of MemorialCare, a not-for-profit, integrated healthcare system. As one of only eight free-standing children's hospitals in California, Miller Children's & Women's is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a "Best Children's Hospital" for pediatric pulmonology and lung surgery. Regionally, it ranks among the top 10 in the state — treating more than 14,000 children each year — and has become a regional pediatric destination for more than 65,000 children requiring specialized outpatient care through its Cherese Mari Laulhere Children's Village Outpatient Center and satellite centers in Torrance, Fountain Valley, and Irvine. With maternal-fetal medicine specialists and neonatologists available 24/7, Miller Children's & Women's cares for birthing people with high-risk pregnancies and premature infants all under one roof. Learn more millerchildrens.org.

About the Infectious Diseases Society of America:
The Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) is an organization of over 13,000 physicians, scientists, public health experts and other health care professionals dedicated to promoting health through excellence in infectious diseases research, education, prevention and patient care. The Society was founded in 1963 and is based in Arlington, Virginia. For more information, see www.idsociety.org.

About the Pediatric Infectious Disease Society
PIDS (Pediatric Infectious Disease Society) is the world's largest organization of professionals dedicated to the treatment, control, and eradication of infectious diseases affecting children. Membership is comprised of physicians, doctoral-level scientists, and others who have trained or are in training in infectious diseases or its related disciplines, and who are identified with the discipline of pediatric infectious diseases or related disciplines through clinical practice, research, teaching, and/or administration activities. PIDS works closely with many professional organizations that share its goals, including the European Society for Pediatric Infectious Diseases, the Society for Pediatric Infectious Diseases in Latin America, The Asian Society of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, the Infectious Diseases Society of America, and the American Academy of Pediatrics. For more information, see www.pids.org.

SOURCE Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital