Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) – the most common bacterial cause of severe pneumonia – frequently colonizes the nasopharynx of children. Although most colonization does not result in disease, the acquisition of a new serotype (variety) of pneumococcus is critical in disease pathogenesis. Carlos G. Grijalva, M.D., MPH, assistant professor of Health Policy, and colleagues now report that a recent influenza or parainfluenza infection facilitates pneumococcal acquisition.

The William Kane Rising Star Award honors a member of ACPM, who is within seven years of completion of residency training and who is certified by the American Board of Preventive Medicine. Learn more at www.acpm.org.

William O. Cooper, M.D., MPH, Cornelius Vanderbilt Professor of Pediatrics, professor and vice chair for Faculty Affairs in the Department of Pediatrics, and professor of Health Policy, has been promoted and will have two new roles. He will now also serve as associate dean for Faculty Affairs within the Faculty Affairs & Career Development Office in the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine and as director of the Vanderbilt Center for Patient and Professional Advocacy (CPPA).