In May 2025, a multidisciplinary NETEC and RESPTC team showcased U.S. leadership in special pathogen preparedness at the WADEM Congress in Tokyo. Through presentations, workshops, and international collaboration including with Japan’s Institute for Health Security they shared innovative training models and strengthened global partnerships, advancing emergency preparedness and high-level isolation strategies worldwide.
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
Medical Director, Biocontainment Care Unit
Email: sumclell@utmb.edu
Trending Topics
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.
