Parasitic organisms have an continue to cause much of the morbidity and mortality of mankind. The Department of Medical Parasitology studies those organisms primarily affecting developing nations, with particular emphasis on malaria and trypanosomes. Research is also conducted on pneumocystis, which produces life-threatening infections in AIDS victims and other immunosuppressed patients. Training in this program includes course work in the basic medical sciences and research. Graduate students and postdoctoral fellows learn state-of-the-art techniques of immunology, biochemistry and cellular and molecular biology.

They are also actively involved in developing a research program which they conduct under the supervision of their research advisor. Research frequently involves collaborations with other basic science departments. Trainees have also participated in field studies relating to their investigations in endemic areas such as Brazil, Thailand, Mali and Columbia. Program members, as well as their trainees, participate in weekly seminars and journals clubs and are encouraged to present their data at national and international scientific meetings.