In each issue of the Epigram, we are pleased to introduce you to a member of the Disease Prevention and Response team at SRHD. In this issue we feature our senior Epidemiologist, Mark Springer, DC. Mark works in our Communicable Disease Epidemiology program where he focuses on communicable disease investigation and intervention, emergency preparedness, and community education.

1. Tell us about your background.

I grew up in California in the Bay Area and went to school at UC San Diego. I later got a degree in Chiropractic in 1995 and came to Spokane where I practiced for 5 years before joining SRHD to work in viral hepatitis. I have worked in the epidemiology program here at the health district for almost 18 years.

2. Describe your work at SRHD.

I work in the Communicable Disease Epidemiology Unit in Disease Prevention and Response where I currently focus on enteric disease and viral hepatitis. I also work with our emergency preparedness and response staff at the health district around planning for Alternate Care Facilities (ACFs), pandemic influenza, and isolation/quarantine.

3. What interests you most about communicable diseases?

I love the variety of the work that comes to us from the provider community and the opportunity to help individuals, families and organizations deal with communicable disease issues.

4. Favorite part of your job?

The best part of my job are the people I work with. We have a great team of people who have such a variety of skills and experiences and we work so well together when things get busy with responding to disease or outbreaks.

5. What can we find you doing when you’re not at work?

I have a couple of great labradoodles (Willow and PilPil) who keep me busy at home. I also enjoy coaching junior volleyball. I am currently going into my 19th year of coaching and with a great group of middle school students.

For more information, Mark can be reached at mspringer@srhd.org.