Leading with Care: How Dr. David Banach Shapes the Future of Infectious Disease and Public Health

Dr. David Banach’s story starts in Connecticut, the same place where he now teaches, treats patients, and helps guide public health decisions. His journey shows what happens when dedication, compassion, and science come together.

David grew up in Connecticut and stayed close to home for college and medical school. He earned both his Medical Degree and a Master’s in Public Health from the University of Connecticut in 2006. But that was just the beginning.

“I always knew I wanted to help people on a larger scale,” Dr. Banach says. “Not just one patient at a time, but also by shaping how we prevent and control disease.”

Today, he is a Professor of Medicine at the University of Connecticut and a respected voice in public health.

A Career Built on Service

After graduating from UConn, Dr. Banach completed his clinical training in New York. There, he also earned a second Master’s degree in Clinical Research. He spent years building experience in direct patient care, working both in hospitals and outpatient settings and public health settings including the New York City Department of Health.

His work focuses on helping people fight infections—whether simple or complex—and making sure hospitals stay safe for patients and staff. As the leader of Infection Control, Dr. Banach is on the front lines, keeping healthcare environments safe every day.

“Infection prevention isn’t just about policies and procedures,” he explains. “It’s about protecting real people—patients, families, healthcare workers. It’s deeply personal.”

Teaching the Next Generation

Teaching is another important part of Dr. Banach’s work. He educates medical students and residents both in classrooms and at the bedside. Over the years, he’s received several teaching awards, a reflection of his passion for helping others learn.

“Medicine is a team sport,” he says. “If you train others well, you don’t just multiply what you can do—you build a system that keeps growing and improving.”

In addition to his medical student teaching role, he co-directs a course in Healthcare Epidemiology. His goal is simple: make sure the next generation of doctors understands both the science and the human side of infectious diseases.

Public Health Leadership

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Banach stepped into an even bigger role. He served as co-chair of an advisory scientific workgroup for Connecticut Governor Lamont, helping to guide the state’s response during an uncertain time.

“COVID taught us that good science communication is just as important as good science,” Dr. Banach says. “People need clear, honest information they can trust.”

Beyond the pandemic, he continues to work closely with the Connecticut Department of Public Health and serves as Past President of the Connecticut Infectious Diseases Society.

His research in epidemiology and clinical infectious diseases has led to more than 60 scientific articles published in peer-reviewed journals, covering everything from hospital infections to disease prevention strategies.

Community Commitment

Despite his busy professional life, Dr. Banach makes time for direct service. He volunteers as a physician preceptor at a student-run free clinic at the South Park Inn Homeless Shelter in Hartford. There, he helps care for some of the community’s most vulnerable residents.

“Medicine isn’t just about hospitals and clinics,” he says. “It’s about meeting people where they are and giving them the care they need, no matter their situation.”

Dr. Banach also serves on the board of directors at his local religious organization and supports a range of charitable causes across local, state, and national levels.

A Voice for Science and Humanity

Through frequent media appearances and public talks, Dr. Banach has become a trusted voice in Connecticut and beyond. He believes that staying connected to the public is key to good healthcare.

“When people understand the ‘why’ behind the science, they’re much more likely to trust it—and that trust saves lives,” he says.

Dr. David Banach’s story is one of dedication, service, and quiet leadership. Whether it’s mentoring students, guiding public health policy, or offering care at a homeless shelter, he shows that making a difference doesn’t happen in one big moment. It happens through thousands of small, steady steps—all aimed at building a healthier world.

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