Portrait Irene Alma Abela

Irene Alma Abela
PD Dr. med. Dr. sc. nat. Attending Physician, Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Hygiene

Other functions at USZ

  • Director of the Swiss HIV Cohort Center Study (SHCS) Center in Zurich
  • Head of vaccination consultation for patients with an increased risk of complications (e.g. immunosuppressed persons)

Specialties

  • Infectiological management of patients undergoing transplantation, covering both pre- and post-transplantation phases (incl. vaccination strategies and travel precautions)
  • HIV Treatment, HIV Resistance
  • Vaccinations for Immunocompromised Individuals; Viral Infections (particularly HIV, CMV, SARS-CoV-2) and Experimental Virology
Appointment

Contact

Tel. +41 44 255 33 22
VCard

Career History

Positions

since 2020 Senior Physician, Infectious Diseases and Hospital Hygiene, USZ
since 2018 Scientist, Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich
2016 – 2018 Attending Physician, Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, Baden Cantonal Hospital
2014 – 2016 Resident, Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, USZ
2012 – 2014 Resident in Internal Medicine, Baden Cantonal Hospital

Studies & Diplomas

2025-2028 Advanced Clinician Scientist Program Grantee, University of Zurich
2025 Venia Legendi, Infectious Diseases and Hospital Hygiene, University of Zurich
2016 – 2020 Certificate of Advanced Studies UZH in Clinical Trial Management
2017 Board Certification in Infectious Diseases and Internal Medicine
2009 – 2012 PhD Thesis, Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich
SNF Research Fellowship, MD-PhD Program (SNF grant 323530-1237199)
2009 MD Thesis, University of Zurich
2005 – 2008 MD-PhD Program, Track I, MeF, University of Zurich
2002 – 2008 Medical studies, MeF University of Zurich

Most important memberships

  • Swiss HIV Cohort Study
  • Swiss Society of Infectious Diseases (SGINF)
  • Swiss Medical Association (FMH)

Key Research Areas

  • Optimizing Vaccination Strategies for Immunocompromised Individuals
  • Humoral Immunity to Viral Pathogens in People Living with HIV
  • Cytomegalovirus Resistance and Its Implications for Solid Organ Transplant Recipients

Vested interests

Since Assignment Client City
01.01.2025 Lehre Careum Hofschule Gesundheit Zürich
01.01.2025 Mitglied scientific board SHCS Schweizer HIV Kohorten Studie Zürich
01.07.2024 Mitglied Vorstand Sexuelle Gesundheit Zürich Zürich
01.01.2023 Mitglied der Eidgenössischen Impfkommission EKIF Bundesamt für Gesundheit Bern

Scheduling an Appointment

Appointments can only be made via referral to the personal consultation hours.

University Hospital of Zurich
Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Hygiene
100 Rämistrasse
8091 Zurich

Tel. +41 44 255 33 22
Contact Form

For Referring Physicians

Assignment ad personam necessary

Please contact us via

University Hospital of Zurich
Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Hygiene
100 Rämistrasse
8091 Zurich

Tel. +41 44 255 33 22
Contact Form