Zachary Telfer, MD

Hometown: Hebron, Fort Atkinson, WI

Medical School: Medical College of Wisconsin

Residency: Medical College of Wisconsin and Affiliated Hospitals

Research /Scholarly Project: My interests include the care of the immunocompromised host over the entire age spectrum. Currently, my scholarly work involves studying the effects of bone marrow graft manipulation as it relates to viral reactivation and infection risk. Specifically, I am working with the BMT team looking at the impact of ex-vivo alpha/beta T cell depletion in unrelated donor and haploidentical related donor peripheral stem cell transplantation. I am also interested in medical education and currently working on a curriculum development project to access the needs of current MCWAH internal medicine residents to help create a formalized transplant and immune compromised host curriculum to help increase comfort in caring for this complex and expanding population.

I passionately advocate for inclusive health through education and advocacy for adolescents and adults in sexual and gender minorities. One of my active projects as the Resident and Fellow Section secretary of the Wisconsin Medical Society is focusing on policy reform in Wisconsin to increase access to HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis for adolescents.

Mentors: Anna Huppler, MD, Pediatric Infectious Diseases; Amy Moskop, MD, Pediatric Hematology and Oncology; Karen-Sue B. Carlson, MD, PhD, Hematology and Oncology; Mary Beth Graham, MD, Infectious Diseases; Anna Corey, MD, Infectious Diseases; and Raul Rodriguez, MD, Infectious Diseases

Research Interests: Infectious disease-related complications in immunocompromised children and adults.

Interests and Hobbies: I bought a house at the beginning of residency because I love DIY projects. I have always enjoyed working with my hands and continue to spend my days off renovating and revamping my home. I dream that one day to have a workshop stocked with precision tools to help hone my craft and create projects that bring joy to myself and others.

Why did I choose MCW for fellowship? I have spent the entirety of my medical career training at MCW. The patient population in Milwaukee and its culture is wonderfully diverse. I have learned so much from patients, colleagues, staff, and faculty and hope that I can continue to give back to my communities. My goal has been to continue to train in both internal medicine and pediatrics, even into my fellowship, which has always been encouraged and supported at MCW. I am excited to begin my career in infectious disease and couldn’t be happier to join the ID groups at MCW. I hope to continue to strengthen the partnership between the pediatric and adult programs and receive a robust training in return.

One of the best things about living in Milwaukee? Milwaukee is rich in culture, arts, brewing, and food. We have all the perks of a big city with the charm of the Midwest. I am always happy to give a recommendation for a local establishment with a great atmosphere!