Welcome to SPECTRE!

We are SPECTRE—the Special Pathogens Excellence in Clinical Treatment, Readiness, and Education Program—housed within the Division of Infectious Diseases at UTMB. Our mission is to strengthen local and regional readiness to respond to high-consequence infectious diseases, ensuring self-sufficiency and operational resilience.

SPECTRE supports the ongoing preparedness of UTMB’s Biocontainment Care Unit (BCU) by developing targeted training and education initiatives grounded in practical, frontline care. We focus on equipping healthcare professionals, across all of Region 6, with the skills, tools, and confidence needed to act swiftly and safely during special pathogen events.

We also foster collaboration with regional healthcare partners and public health entities, promoting a unified, state-driven response framework that ensures coordination without unnecessary duplication of federal efforts. In addition, we contribute to the infrastructure needed for clinically grounded research, ensuring that emerging knowledge translates directly into improved patient care and safety protocols.

Susan McLellan, MD, MPH

Director, SPECTRE
Medical Director, Biocontainment Care Unit

Email: sumclell@utmb.edu

Faculty Bio

Trending Topics

Ebola Virus

Who is SPECTRE

SPECTRE strengthens healthcare preparedness through training, education, research, and regional coordination. By equipping healthcare professionals with specialized skills, advancing infectious disease research, and leading regional preparedness efforts, SPECTRE enhances the ability to manage high-consequence infectious diseases. This video highlights SPECTRE’s mission and its role in providing healthcare professionals with the knowledge and resources needed to respond effectively. Through evidence-based education, research, and strategic partnerships, SPECTRE helps build stronger response capabilities at institutional, regional, and national levels.

What we do

Clinical Care

Training & Education

Regional Coordination

Research Infrastructure

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News & Events

Latest News

SPECTRE’s Dr. Susan McLellan Weighs in on the Dangers of Unproven Measles Treatments

April 18, 2025 • 12:52 p.m.

A measles outbreak in West Texas, driven by vaccine hesitancy and misinformation, has led to the promotion of unproven treatments like budesonide and clarithromycin—despite no evidence of their effectiveness. Public health experts stress that the MMR vaccine remains the only reliable protection against this highly contagious and potentially deadly virus.

UTMB’s own Dr. Susan McLellan weighs in on the dangers of misinformation and the importance of evidence-based care. Read more to learn the facts and protect your health.

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