Stephanie Leeds, MD, MHS

My earliest introduction to scholarly research arrived through public health coursework as an undergraduate at Tufts University, through which I was connected to researchers studying the health issues faced by migrant populations. This led to two internships at the International Centre for Migration and Health (ICMH) in Geneva, Switzerland. As an intern there, I interfaced with the World Health Organization and other non-governmental organizations to help formulate literature and policy on numerous migrant health issues, including social insertion, access to health services, and training in disaster management. In addition to authoring internal documents, policy positions, and annual report segments for ICMH publications, I co-authored a journal article examining handwashing practices as a routine measure of infection control in a provincial African hospital. This period of public health engagement allowed me to contribute my time and resources to formulate policy addressing the needs of underserved and marginalized communities most vulnerable to physical and psycho-social health threats.

As I advanced in my training, I worked under skilled immunologists during both my residency and fellowship and contributed original work in the field of clinical immunology under their supportive mentorship. As a resident, I collaborated with fellows to publish data on underlying conditions associated with Pneumocystis jirovecii in children over the twenty-year period post-HAART period of 1986-2006. This study delineated the less commonly appreciated clinical scenarios in which Pneumocystis pneumonia should be considered, including primary immunodeficiency. As a fellow, I worked with fellows and attendings to publish the first report on idiopathic T cell lymphopenia as identified through New York State Newborn Screening. I collected and analyzed data from seven referral centers and provided clinicians with a report on the clinical and laboratory findings in these patients as they were followed over time. In both of these publications, I translated clinical experience from large patient cohorts into accessible resources for physicians considering uncommon scenarios related to immune deficiency.

The bulk of my clinical and scholarly interests now lie in the domain of food allergy. Training at the Jaffe Food Allery Institute at Mount Sinai, I gained broad and deep exposure to food allergy in both the clinical and laboratory setting. I acquired and continue to build a strong fund of knowledge around the diagnostic, management, and treatment options available to patients with food allergy. At the same time, I recognize the key role of education—for both families and practitioners—for advancing the field towards improved outcomes. My published work in food allergy is both original and review articles aimed at increasing food allergy literacy on an individual and public scale.