Gail Gerena, MD has joined the practice of Infectious Disease Associates of Central Virginia. She comes to Danville from New York City, where she worked on such public health issues as HIV and the threat of bioterrorism.

"In today's world, people are so mobile that no area can be immune from infectious diseases," Dr. Gerena said. "In Virginia there were a number of cases of West Nile Virus last year, and it caused the deaths of two people. The world is a smaller place, and Danville is not isolated."

Dr. Gerena has spoken internationally on the problems facing her field. From anthtrax to cowpox to tuberculosis, many of the diseases in the news fall in Dr. Gerena's specialty. Much of her work, however, won't be concerned with what might be considered exotic diseases.

"I'm concerned about such issues as the indiscriminate use of antibiotics," she said, "and with the spread of Hepatitis C. I will be assisting the team already working in Danville Regional to maintain infection control.

"People are living longer, " she said, "and we need to do all we can to keep their immune systems strong so they can fight off these diseases. That's an initiative that's vitally important no matter where you live."