This initial TB Champions pilot is for Iowa and Kansas healthcare providers only.

Background

Tuberculosis reclaimed its position as the deadliest infection in 2024. Thanks to the efforts of our predecessors, tuberculosis is now rarely encountered by frontline healthcare providers in the U.S., especially in the Midwest and rural areas. However, this low incidence can lead to uncertainty and delays in diagnosis, increasing the risk of transmission and poor patient outcomes. Frontline providers play a crucial role in TB diagnosis and treatment, as patients with TB symptoms often seek care from primary care, ER, urgent care, or general hospitalists before seeing specialists. When primary care providers are confident in managing latent TB infection, they contribute significantly to TB elimination efforts.

Goal

We are building a network of frontline clinicians as "TB Champions" to raise awareness, serve as resources, and empower peers to "think TB." The program focuses on recognizing and diagnosing active TB disease and treating latent TB infection in both adults and children. TB Champions will complete training developed by the Mayo Clinic Center for Tuberculosis, a CDC-designated Center of TB Excellence. They will progress through the program as a cohort, completing self-study modules and engaging in virtual meetings for case-based learning. After training, the cohort will stay connected to discuss challenges and share ideas.

Ideal Candidates

No prior TB experience is required; ideal TB champions are eager to learn and committed to TB elimination. Clinicians from primary care, emergency medicine, urgent care, and hospital medicine, including physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants, are encouraged to apply. Other roles may be considered if they align with the program’s goals. The pilot program will launch in Kansas and Iowa, where active TB rates are rising. 

Learn More

Please join us via Zoom to learn more about the TB Champion Network and get answers to any questions you may have.

Register here to attend any of the sessions below.

February 27 at 12PM CT

March 6 at 11AM CT

Please email TBcenter@mayo.edu for additional questions.