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East Tennessee State University’s Dr. David Cluck, an associate professor in the ETSU Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy’s Department of Pharmacy Practice, has earned a rare honor for a pharmacist – being named a fellow of the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA).

The IDSA is the nation’s leading infectious diseases professional society, and Cluck was recognized in this year’s class of distinguished physicians and scientists from the United States and around the world.

Fellowship in IDSA is one of the highest honors in the field of infectious diseases. It is given to those who have achieved professional excellence and provided significant service to the profession. It is also uncommon for pharmacists to earn this fellowship – since 2018, approximately 4% of those chosen were from the field.

“This honor represents a milestone in my career that is indicative of the time and effort I have put into caring for patients, educating trainees and engaging in clinical research,” said Cluck, who specializes in Infectious Diseases Pharmacotherapy and is the course coordinator for the college’s Infectious Diseases course. He maintains a clinical pharmacy practice in infectious diseases at Johnson City Medical Center. 

Dr. Sarah Thomason, chair of the Department of Pharmacy Practice, recognized Dr. Cluck for his contributions to the pharmacy profession. 

“Dr. Cluck is a valuable faculty member within the college in teaching, scholarship, clinical practice and service,” said Thomason. “He is very deserving of this national recognition that honors his professional achievements in infectious diseases.” 

Applicants for IDSA Fellowship must be nominated by their peers and meet specified criteria that include continuing identification within the field of infectious diseases, national or regional recognition, and publication of their scholarly work. Nominees are reviewed and elected by the IDSA Board of Directors. Fellows of IDSA work in many different settings, including clinical practice, teaching, research, public health and health care administration.

“The 128 individuals chosen to receive the FIDSA designation this year have demonstrated a commitment to advancing ID, and we are proud to honor their work and dedication,” said Steven K. Schmitt, MD, president of IDSA. “These ID physicians and scientists represent a community of leaders around the globe who are on the front lines of research and clinical care and represent the passion and commitment to educate and protect us from dangerous illness. We all benefit from their vital contributions to our communities, and I am proud to work and learn alongside them.”