Laura Erdman
Assistant Professor, Pediatrics

I am a pediatric infectious disease physician at McMaster Children's Hospital and assistant professor at McMaster University. My formal research training focused on the role of innate immune responses in the pathobiology of severe malaria. In my current position, I strive to work with colleagues and communities to foster health for all children and youth, particularly those affected by the social determinants of health and/or stigmatized infections.

Clinically, my practice is focused on congenital syphilis (which has resurged in the past decade in Canada) and infections affecting newcomer children. I am engaged in multidisciplinary research to improve care in these areas. A CIHR-funded study is underway to evaluate the implementation of point-of-care syphilis/HIV testing in a low-barrier prenatal clinic to facilitate screening in pregnancy, with a focus on acceptability for pregnant people and clinicians. This project is a collaborative effort with community partners and people with lived experience, and prioritizes community knowledge mobilization. Other research includes retrospective cohort studies of congenital syphilis and parasitic infections at McMaster Children's Hospital, to identify gaps and opportunities to improve clinical care.