Hillary Spencer, MD MPH
Infection Prevention Medical Advisor
Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH)

Dr. Spencer leads the Illinois Department of Public Health’s Regional Infection Prevention Program, which is a team of experienced infection prevention nurses located in each of IDPH’s regions across the state. The team prioritizes both prevention and response in high congregate settings, primarily skilled nursing facilities.

Dr. Spencer’s primary training is in pediatrics and pediatric infectious disease, so she had a natural path to public health. “What really inspired me was a mentor in pediatric infectious disease, Dr. John Modlin. When I heard about his experiences with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Epidemic Intelligence Service, I immediately knew that I wanted to be a disease detective, too!” Serving as a field officer with the Chicago Department of Public Health later in her career sealed the deal on Hillary’s love for state and local public health.