Best Infectious Disease Doctors in Fort Collins

Introduction to Infectious Diseases and Its Importance in Fort Collins

Definition of Infectious Diseases

Infectious Diseases is a medical specialty focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases caused by microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.

Infectious Disease specialists in Fort Collins manage a wide range of conditions, including but not limited to HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, pneumonia, and emerging infectious diseases.

Significance of Infectious Disease specialists in Fort Collins

Fort Collins, like many communities, faces unique challenges related to infectious diseases, including seasonal flu outbreaks, tick-borne illnesses, and the ongoing management of chronic infections.

Infectious Disease specialists play a key role in Fort Collins' healthcare landscape by providing expert care, conducting research, and collaborating with public health officials to prevent and control outbreaks.

Navigating the Doctor Selection Process in Fort Collins

Factors to consider when choosing an Infectious Disease specialist

Board certifications and qualifications

• American Board of Internal Medicine certification
• Specialized certifications (e.g., Dr. Joan Waters' mold certification)

Experience and educational background

• Medical school reputation (e.g., University of Texas Southwestern, University of Virginia)
• Fellowships and additional training
• Years of practice in Infectious Disease Medicine

Hospital affiliations

• Local hospitals (e.g., Poudre Valley Hospital, Medical Center of the Rockies)
• Importance of choosing a doctor with affiliations to preferred medical facilities

Patient ratings and reviews

• Star ratings on platforms like Healthgrades
• Number of reviews as an indicator of experience and patient satisfaction
• Qualitative feedback from patient testimonials

Resources for finding Infectious Disease doctors in Fort Collins

Online directories and review platforms

• Healthgrades and similar websites
• Importance of cross-referencing information from multiple sources

Referrals from primary care physicians

• Leveraging existing medical relationships for recommendations
• Importance of communication between primary care and specialists

Local medical centers and hospitals

• Contacting UCHealth facilities in the area
• Inquiring about infectious disease departments at local hospitals

Top-Ranked Infectious Disease Doctors in Fort Collins

Dr. Clayton Foster

Qualifications and Ratings

• Perfect 5.0 star rating with 4 reviews
• Board certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine
• Specializes in Infectious Disease Medicine and Internal Medicine

Education and Affiliations

• Graduated from University of Alabama at Birmingham Medical School
• Affiliated with Kona Community Hospital

Contact Information

• Phone: (808) 747-8321
• More details available on Healthgrades profile

Dr. David Cobb

Qualifications and Ratings

• Perfect 5.0 star rating with 4 reviews
• Board certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine
• Specializes in Infectious Disease Medicine and Internal Medicine

Education and Experience

• Extensive educational background including:
• Fellowship at University of Virginia (1989)
• Internship at University of Oklahoma Medical College (1983)
• MD from University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (1982)

Contact Information

• Phone: (970) 224-0429
• More details available on Healthgrades profile

Dr. Tamara Johnson-Baack

Qualifications and Ratings

• Perfect 5.0 star rating with 2 reviews
• Specializes in Infectious Disease Medicine and Internal Medicine

Education

• Graduated from University of New Mexico School of Medicine in 1992

Contact Information

• Phone: (970) 266-1814
• More details available on Healthgrades profile

Dr. Jacob Liao-Ong

Qualifications and Ratings

• 3.1 star rating with 7 reviews
• Board certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine
• Specializes in Infectious Disease Medicine, Undersea & Hyperbaric Medicine, Travel Medicine, and Internal Medicine

Languages and Affiliations

• Multilingual: English, Chinese, Spanish, Tagalog
• Affiliated with Medical Center of the Rockies, Poudre Valley Hospital, and UCHealth Greeley Hospital

Education and Experience

• Fellowship at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital (1998)
• Residency at State University of New York (1996)
• MD from University of Santo Tomas (1989)

Contact Information

• Phone: (970) 490-4209
• More details available on Healthgrades profile

Additional Considerations for Choosing the Right Infectious Disease Doctor in Fort Collins

Language and Communication Preferences

Multilingual Doctors

• Dr. Jacob Liao-Ong: Fluent in English, Chinese, Spanish, and Tagalog
• Amy Romero: Proficient in English and Russian

Importance of Effective Communication

• Clear understanding between patient and doctor
• Ability to explain complex medical information in patient's preferred language

Subspecialties and Areas of Focus

Doctors with Additional Expertise

• Dr. Jacob Liao-Ong: Undersea & Hyperbaric Medicine, Travel Medicine
• Dr. Joan Waters: Naturopathy, Gastroenterology, Occupational & Environmental Medicine
• Dr. Marc Fischer: Pediatric Infectious Diseases

Matching Doctor's Expertise to Patient Needs

• Consider specific health concerns or conditions
• Evaluate the relevance of a doctor's subspecialty to your case

Accessibility and Location

Hospital Affiliations and Practice Locations

• Dr. Jacob Liao-Ong: Affiliated with Medical Center of the Rockies, Poudre Valley Hospital, and UCHealth Greeley Hospital
• Dr. Karen Volpe: Affiliated with Banner McKee Medical Center and Banner North Colorado Medical Center
• Consider proximity to your residence or workplace

Availability of Appointments

• Check wait times for new patient appointments
• Inquire about telehealth options for consultations