Alison Helfrich DO, MPH

Education

Bachelors of Science, Allegheny College, 2008; major: biochemistry, minor: art history
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO), Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, 2012
Pediatric Residency, National Capital Consortium (USUHS/WRNMMC), 2015
Pediatric Infectious Disease Fellowship, National Capital Consortium (USUHS/WRNMMC), 2022
Masters of Public Health, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 2022

Other Professional Development / Education:
- Military Health System Female Physician Leadership Course, 2018
- Medical Management of CBRNE, 2018
- Allergy Extender Course, 2017
- Squadron Officer School, 2017
- Expeditionary Medical Support, 2015
- Military Medical Humanitarian Assistance Course (MMHAC), 2013

Biography

LtCol (Dr.) Alison M. Helfrich is an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Uniformed Services University of Health Science (USUHS), Bethesda, MD. She also serves as the Division Chief of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at Walter Reed National Military Medication Center (WRNMMC), Bethesda, MD. She regularly contributes in undergraduate and graduate medical education through USU and as a core faculty for Pediatrics residency and Pediatric Infectious Diseases fellowship at WRNMMC, preparing the future of pediatric care in the Defense Health Agency. She is actively involved in Tropical Medicine at USU, both through lectures, missions, and research. Her research focuses include travel medicine, tropical medicine with emphasis on malaria, and quality improvement projects. As the executive director of the Military Medical Humanitarian Assistance Course, she ensures clinicians are prepared for military response.

LtCol Helfrich graduated from Allegheny College and commissioned into the Air Force through the Health Professions Scholarship Program while she received her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. She completed her residency in Pediatrics and fellowship in Pediatric Infectious Diseases through the National Capital Consortium at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, MD. She completed her Masters in Public Health through the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, MD with a focus on Tropical Public Health. Prior to her current position, she was a fellow in Pediatric Infectious Diseases at the National Capital Consortium, providing clinical care and consultation worldwide for the Defense Health Agency, and was a subject matter expert for the care of children during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Career Highlights: Positions, Projects, Deployements, Awards and Additional Publications

Division Chief of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center - July 2022 to current

Medical Director of Pediatrics | Medical Director of Immunizations, Spangdahlem Air Base, 2018-2019

Medical Director of Pediatrics, Misawa Air Base, 2015-2017

American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Uniformed Services, Chapter East - Outstanding Young Pediatrician for Air Force - 2020

American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Uniformed Services Howard Johnson Award - 2014

Representative Bibliography