Infectious Diseases & Immunology

Infectious diseases are illnesses caused by microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. These infections can range from common conditions, such as pneumonia and influenza, to more complex illnesses including HIV/AIDS, Lyme disease, hepatitis, and emerging infectious diseases. Some infections can spread from person to person, while others are acquired through environmental exposures, insect bites, contaminated food or water, or healthcare-related settings.

Our Infectious Diseases specialists are physicians with advanced training in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of infectious diseases. They combine clinical expertise with the interpretation of specialized laboratory testing and imaging studies to provide comprehensive, evidence-based care for both common and complex infections.

We work closely with primary care physicians, specialists, pharmacists, microbiologists, and other healthcare professionals to ensure coordinated, patient-centered treatment.

Services We Provide

• Evaluation and treatment of acute and chronic infections

• HIV/AIDS care and management

• HIV prevention services, including PrEP and PEP

• Sexually transmitted infection (STI/STD) diagnosis and treatment

• Tick-borne illness evaluation and management

• Travel medicine consultations

• Adult immunizations and vaccination counseling

• Management of complicated infections requiring long-term antibiotic therapy

• Infectious disease consultation for hospitalized and outpatient patients

Treatment & Prevention
Treatment depends on the type of infection and may include:

• Antibiotics for bacterial infections

• Antiviral medications for viral infections

• Antifungal therapies for fungal infections

• Vaccinations and preventive therapies to reduce the risk of infection

In addition to treating active infections, our team provides guidance on disease prevention, travel-related health risks, vaccination recommendations, and strategies to maintain long-term health.

Location

Roger Williams Medical Center / CharterCARE Medical Associates
50 Maude Street, 3rd Floor
Providence, RI 02908

To schedule an appointment:
Phone: (401) 456-2437

To securely fax medical records or referrals:
Fax: (401) 456-6839

Our Team
Samira Reyes Dassum, MD, Division Director, Infectious Diseases

Dr. Reyes Dassum is board-certified in Infectious Diseases and serves as the Director of the Division of Infectious Diseases. She provides comprehensive care for patients with a broad range of infectious diseases in both inpatient and outpatient settings, with expertise in complex infections, infections requiring prolonged antimicrobial therapy, bloodstream infections, travel-related infections, and infections affecting medically vulnerable or underserved patients.

Known for her thoughtful, compassionate, and patient-centered approach, Dr. Reyes Dassum takes pride in building strong relationships with her patients and ensuring that each person feels heard, understood, and empowered throughout their healthcare journey.

As a bilingual physician fluent in English and Spanish, she is committed to reducing barriers to care and fostering meaningful connections with patients and families from diverse backgrounds. She has a special interest in serving vulnerable and underserved populations and improving access to high-quality infectious diseases care.

In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Reyes Dassum is actively involved in medical education, antimicrobial stewardship, infection prevention, and advancing evidence-based, patient-centered care across the health system.

Sandra Restrepo, Medical Assistant
Sandra Restrepo plays a vital role in supporting patient care and coordinating clinical services. She assists patients with scheduling, referrals, medical records, and serves as an important point of contact for patients and referring providers.