This story is part of a University of Toledo faculty and staff spotlight series, where we feature uplifting stories of the remarkable achievements and contributions of hidden champions who call UToledo home, fostering connections across campus. Cover graphic by Juice House. Image courtesy of Dr. Deepa Mukundan.
Dr. Deepa Mukundan is a board-certified pediatrician and the chair of the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Toledo’s College of Medicine and Life Sciences, where she is also a professor and alumna. This year, she was awarded the College of Medicine and Life Sciences’ Dean’s Award for Advising Excellence. The JuicePress team recently interviewed Mukundan to learn more about her role and contribution to campus.
Q: Tell us a little about yourself. What is your job title here at the university, and how long have you worked at UToledo? Can you summarize what you do in your role?
A: I am the senior leader in pediatrics who is responsible for running the department in the medical school. The role combines leadership in the College of Medicine, administration, academics and clinical oversight. Here are some of what it entails:
- Leading pediatric education for medical students and residents
- Supporting faculty career development
- Promoting and supporting pediatric research
- Fostering an inclusive and positive department culture
- Recruiting and retaining faculty
- Managing the department budget
- Representing the department in institutional planning
- Serving as the public face of the department
- Advocating for children’s health at institutional, community, and national levels
Q: What are your degrees in and where did you study?
A: I earned a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degree from medical school in Chennai, India. I hold a Diplomate of National Board of Pediatrics in India. I completed a pediatric residency at the University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences and a fellowship in pediatric infectious diseases at the University of Michigan.
Q: What field or research area do you focus on? What is significant about the work you do?
A: Currently, my research focus is on diseases related to microcystin exposure in lake water. Microcystins are often found in freshwater lakes, for example Lake Erie. The lake’s level of microcystin reaches toxic levels due to overproduction from an overgrowth of harmful algal blooms, often from blue-green algae — cyanobacteria. In general, health conditions due to microcystin toxicity range from benign rashes to severe diarrhea, severe vomiting, hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, neurotoxicity, respiratory distress and death. Oral consumption, skin contact or inhalation are common ways of getting exposed to these toxins.
Most diagnoses of acute disease are made clinically based on [a] history of exposure. Diseases related to chronic exposure to microcystins are unclear. I bring my clinical expertise to the research group at UTCOMLS in the study of pediatric diseases related to exposure to microcystins. Additionally, we have been granted an award to educate the public and healthcare providers about [the] diagnosis and prevention of HAB-associated disorders.
Q: Can you share about a project or research initiative you’re particularly proud of?
A: I have been involved with the research group at UTCOMLS in developing a test in humans to detect exposure to microcystin. This test now has a U.S. patent. With this test, we hope to understand the epidemiology of microcystin exposure in the community and the clinical impact of acute and chronic exposures to microcystins.
Q: In what ways have you contributed to the broader university community?
A: I contribute as a board member and now past president of the UTCOMLS Alumni Affiliate Board of Trustees. I work with faculty at the Department of Population Health in the College of Health and Human Services to support research. We have collaborated with faculty from the Judith Herb College of Arts, Social Sciences and Education to enhance education in our school.
Q: What excites you most about the future of your field?
A: We are at an exciting phase in terms of technology and its impact on patient care.
- Faster diagnosis with rapid genomic sequencing could mean early identification [of] infections and hence better outcomes for patients.
- Advancements in precision medicine and treatments that can be optimized to age, genetics and the microbiome of the individual, respectively.
- Smarter use of antibiotics guided by real-time data and surveillance can help combat antimicrobial resistance globally.
- AI-guided clinical decision support tools could help doctors choose the best treatment for patients.
- The field of pediatrics has the ability to shape lifelong health by focusing on prevention and health in early life. Using innovative methods in advancing care in children is very exciting. We are looking for younger generations like yours to guide us. Also, what is not to like about working with children!
Note: Responses from the interviewee were received by email and have been edited for grammar and clarity.
