Elizabeth C. Frenzel, MD, MPH, FACOEM
Department of Infectious Diseases, Infection Control, and Employee Health, Division of Internal Medicine
Present Title & Affiliation
Primary Appointment
Professor, Department of Infectious Diseases, Infection Control and Employee Health, Division of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Education & Training
Degree-Granting Education
| 2001 | The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health, Houston, TX, USA, MPH, Occupational Health |
| 1989 | The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA, MD, Doctor of Medicine |
| 1984 | Duke University, Durham, NC, USA, BS, Zoology |
Postgraduate Training
| 2019-2020 | LEADing Teams Program, Leadership Institute, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX |
| 2006-2006 | The Heart of Leadership Faculty Training Program, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX |
| 1999-2001 | Residency in Occupational and Environmental Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX |
| 1992-1993 | Residency in Anesthesiology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX |
| 1990-1991 | Residency in Ophthalmology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX |
| 1989-1990 | Internship Internal Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine Affiliated Hospitals, Houston, TX |
Board Certifications
| 2003 | Diplomate, American Board of Preventive Medicine (Occupational Medicine) |
Experience & Service
Academic Appointments
Associate Professor, Department of Infectious Diseases, Infection Control and Employee Health, Division of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2007 - 2015
Assistant Professor, Department of Infectious Diseases, Infection Control and Employee Health, Division of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2001 - 2007
Administrative Appointments/Responsibilities
Executive Director, Department of Workforce Health and Wellness, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2021 - 2022
Director, Department of Employee Health & Well-being, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2007 - 2021
Assistant Director, Department of Employee Health & Well-being, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2001 - 2007
Other Appointments/Responsibilities
Co-Dean and Faculty, School of Medical Management, WorkCompCollege.com, Lakewood Ranch, FL, 2022 - Present
Member, UT System Worker's Compensation Insurance TPA Selection Committee, Austin, TX, 2018 - 2019
Member, National Adult and Influenza Immunization Summit Influenza Working Group, Atlanta, GA, 2016 - Present
Member, Statewide Infectious Disease Education Work Group (Governor’s Task Force on ID Preparedness & Response Recommendations), Austin, TX, 2014 - Present
Member, Texas Medical Center Security & Emergency Preparedness Council, Houston, TX, 2014 - Present
Member, UT System Workers’ Compensation Insurance TPA Selection Committee, Austin, TX, 2013 - 2013
Member, Harris County Medical Society Healthcare Facilities Immunization Task Force, Houston, TX, 2013 - 2013
Member, Texas Medical Center Flu Advisory Council, Houston, TX, 2012 - 2014
Member, Texas Medical Center Pandemic Flu Preparedness Response Guide Advisory Group, Houston, TX, 2011 - 2012
Member, The University of Texas System Occupational Safety & Health Advisory Group, Austin, TX, 2011 - Present
Member, Occupational Medicine Residency Advisory Committee, The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, 2000 - Present
Member, Latex Sensitivity Task Force, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, 1999 - 2001
Institutional Committee Activities
Member, Endemic COVID-19 Optimization Teams, 2021 - Present
Member, COVID-19 Vaccine Committee, 2020 - Present
Member, Operational Priority Safety 365 High Reliability Training for Leaders and Staff Initiative, 2019 - Present
Member, Operational Priority Safety 365 Unified Reporting System Initiative, 2019 - Present
Member, Respiratory Viral Task Force- Stem Cell Transplant, 2018 - Present
Member, Human Resources Proton Therapy Center Project Committee, 2018 - Present
Member, Human Resources UTMB/MDA Partnership Committee, 2018 - Present
Member, Institutional Biosafety Committee, 2017 - Present
Member, USP <800> Steering Committee, 2016 - Present
Member, Institutional Safety Committee, Safe Patient Handling Ad Hoc Committee, 2016 - Present
Member, Ebola Virus Disease Task Force, 2014 - Present
Member, Division of Internal Medicine Council on Gender Inclusiveness, 2013 - Present
Member, EndTobacco: Tobacco-free Hiring Project Committee, 2013 - Present
Chair, Infection Control Committee, SB 7 Vaccine Preventable Diseases Policy Task Force, 2012 - 2012
Vice Chair, Infection Control Committee, 2011 - 2022
Alternate, Advisory Committee for Be Well MD Anderson, 2010 - 2011
Member, Human Resources ADA (Americans with Disabilities) Review Committee, 2009 - Present
Member, Credentials Committee of the Medical Staff, 2007 - 2016
Member, Patient Safe Movement and Handling Committee "No Lift" Program, 2006 - 2007
Member, Infection Control Committee, 2006 - 2022
Member, Institutional Safety Committee, Chemo Policy Working Group Subcommittee, 2005 - 2005
Vice Chair, Institutional Safety Committee, 2004 - Present
Member, Institutional Safety Committee, 2004 - Present
Member, Radiation Safety Committee, Human Use Subcommittee, 2002 - Present
Alternate Member, Institutional Biosafety Committee, 2002 - 2004
Member, Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Terrorism Preparedness Task Force, 2001 - 2002
Member, Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Terrorism Preparedness Task Force, Bioterrorism Working Group Subcommittee, 2001 - 2002
Member, Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Terrorism Preparedness Task Force, Chemical Terrorism Subcommittee, 2001 - 2002
Member, Radiation Safety Committee, 2001 - Present
Alternate Member, Institutional Safety Committee, 2001 - 2004
Member, Human Resources Health and Well Being Work Group, 2001 - 2002
Member, Infection Control Committee, 2001 - 2003
Consultantships
University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, Houston, Texas, 2005 - Present
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Houston, Texas, 2004 - Present
Military or Other Governmental Service
Expert Panel Member, Texas Medical Board, Austin, TX, 2010 - Present
Honors & Awards
| 2021 | President's Recognition for Faculty Excellence Award in Prevention Outreach, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, October |
| 2019 | Fellow, American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, March |
| 2017 | President’s Recognition for Faculty Excellence Award in Prevention Outreach, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, April |
| 2010 | 2010 NIVS Immunization Excellence Award-Healthcare Personnel Campaign-Honorable Mention, National Influenza Vaccine Summit, May |
| 1987 | Medical School Class Honors, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine |
| 1984 | Cum Laude Graduate, Duke University |
Professional Memberships
Selected Publications
Peer-Reviewed Articles
- Khawaja F, Srinivasan K, Spallone A, Feldman A, Cantu S, Ariza-Heredia E, Dvordak T, Alousi A, Ahmed S, George M, Frenzel E, Bhatti M, Chemaly R.. Nosocomial COVID-19 at a comprehensive cancer center during the first year of the pandemic: Lessons learned. Am J Infect Control 22, 2022. e-Pub 2022. PMID: 35901993.
- Ariza-Heredia E, Frenzel E, Cantu S, Carlson M, Thomas G, Khawaja F, Raad I, Chemaly RF. Surveillance and Identification of clusters of healthcare workers with COVID-19: multidimensional interventions at a comprehensive cancer center. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol:1-21, Published online by Cambridge University Press, 2020. PMID: 33183368.
- Frenzel E, Chemaly RF, Ariza-Heredia E, Jiang Y, Shah DP, Thomas G, Graviss L, Raad I. Association of increased influenza vaccination in health care workers with a reduction in nosocomial influenza infections in cancer patients. Am J Infect Control 44:1016-21, 2016. e-Pub 2016. PMID: 27158088.
- Kassis C, Hachem R, Raad I, Perego CA, Dvorak T, Hulten KG, Frenzel E, Thomas G, Chemaly RF. Outbreak of community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus skin infections among health care workers in a cancer center. Am J Infect Control 39:112-7, 2011. PMID: 20817317.
- Frenzel EC, Thomas GA, Hanna HA. The importance of two-step tuberculin skin testing in newly employed health care workers. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 27(5):512-4, 2006. PMID: 16671035.
- Thomas G, Frenzel E, Hanna H. Smallpox vaccine: "non-take" responses in previously vaccinated adults. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 25(7):613-5, 2004. PMID: 15301038.
Abstracts
- Thomas G, Varghese S, Frenzel E. “Solving a Dilemma in Tobacco-Free Hiring: The Experience of a Comprehensive Cancer Center.”. 2017 Work, Stress, Health Conference, Minneapolis MN, 2017.
- Frenzel E, Chemaly RF, Ariza-Heredia E, Jiang Y, Shah DP, Thomas G, Graviss L, Raad I. “Association of increased influenza vaccination in health care workers with a reduction in nosocomial influenza infections in cancer patients.”. American Occupational Health Conference 2017, Denver CO, 2017.
- Tran,L, Carpentier S, Frenzel E. “Impact of a Vaccine Preventable Diseases Policy on Increasing Influenza Vaccination Rates in Healthcare Workers". American Association of Occupational Health Nurses 2016 National Conference, Jacksonville FL, 2016.
- Frenzel E, Thomas G. “Impact of a Mandatory Participation Program on Increasing Influenza Vaccination Rates in Health Care Workers Working at a Comprehensive Cancer Center". American Occupational Health Conference 2014, San Antonio TX, 2014.
- Thomas G, Frenzel E, Hyatt J. “Social Media and Threats of Violence: Anatomy of a Facebook Threat.". Work, Stress and Health Conference 2011, Orlando FL, 2011.
- Hudson E, Frenzel E, Thomas G,Passaretti A. "The Complexities of Handling Return to Work Issues in Employees with Multiple Medical Problems.". Work, Stress and Health Conference 2011, Orlando FL, 2011.
- Hudson E, Gilmore J, Kunz K, Thomas G, Frenzel E. "Utility of a Medical Surveillance Questionnaire among Veterinary Medicine Employees at a Comprehensive Cancer Center.". American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine 2010 Forum, Newport, Rhode Island, 2010.
- Hudson E, Gilmore J, Kunz K, Thomas G, Frenzel E.. "Utility of a Medical Surveillance Questionnaire among Veterinary Medicine Employees at a Comprehensive Cancer Center.". 64th International Conference on Diseases in Nature Communicable to Man, Forth Worth, Texas, 2009.
- Frenzel E, Thomas G. Poster Presentation. "Effective Strategies for Enhancing Influenza Vaccination Rates in Health Care Workers (HCW) Working with Immunocompromised Patients.". University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Division of Internal Medicine 2009 Research Retreat, Houston, Texas, 2009.
- Frenzel E, Thomas G. Poster Presentation. "Effective Strategies for Enhancing Influenza Vaccination Rates in Health Care Workers (HCW) Working with Immunocompromised Patients.". Preventive Medicine 2009, Los Angeles, California, 2009.
- Frenzel E, Thomas G. Poster Presentation, "Best Practices: Improving Influenza Vaccination Rates in Health Care Workers.". University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Division of Internal Medicine 2008 Research Retreat, Houston, Texas, 2008. e-Pub 2008.
- Thomas G, Hyatt J, Frenzel E.. "Emotional Health and Self-care for Faculty: A Continuum of Services.". Seventh International Conference on Occupational Stress and Health: Work, Stress, and Health 2008, Washington, DC, 2008.
- Frenzel E, Thomas G.. Abstract Presentation, "Best Practices: Improving Influenza Vaccination Rates in Health Care Workers.". Preventive Medicine 2008, Austin, Texas, 2008.
- Thomas G, Hyatt J, Frenzel E.. Abstract Presentation, "Promoting Emotional Health and Self-Care for Faculty: A Continuum of Services.". Preventive Medicine 2008, Austin Texas, 2008.
- Thomas, G, Frenzel E, Hyatt J. Poster Presentation, "Reaching the Reluctant Professional: Faculty Assistance at a Comprehensive Cancer Center". 2006 AMA-CMA International Conference on Physician Health. Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, 2006.
- Frenzel E, Thomas G, Hanna H. Abstract Presentation, "The Importance of Two-step Tuberculin Skin Testing in Newly Employed Health Care Workers". American Occupational Health Conference 2006, Los Angeles, California, 2006.
- Thomas G, Hyatt J, Frenzel E, Bernacky B, Satterfield W. Abstract Presentation, "Mass Primate Deaths: Managing Traumatic Stress in Animal Workers". Sixth International Conference on Occupational Stress and Health: Work, Stress, and Health 2006 Miami, Florida, 2006.
- Thomas G, Hyatt J, Hanna H, Gamboa A, Frenzel E. Poster Presentation, "Workplace Violence: 113 Consecutive Cases from an Academic Medical Center". Sixth International Conference on Occupational Stress and Health: Work, Stress, and Health 2006, Miami, Florida, 2006.
- Aguilera E, Torres H, Gonzalez V, Raad I, Hachem R, Frenzel E, Thomas G, Chemaly R. Abstract Presentation, "The Impact of Influenza Epidemic with a Predominant Mismatched Circulating Strain with the Vaccine Strain on Patients with Hematologic Malignancies". Society of Healthcare Epidemiology of America Fifteenth Annual Scientific Meeting, Los Angeles, CA, 2005.
- Chemaly R , Perego C, Dvorak T, Hulten K, Casey E, Frenzel E, Thomas G, Raad I. Poster Presentation, "Outbreak of a Community-Acquired Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) Skin Infection Among Healthcare Workers (HCWs)". 44th Interscience Conference on Antimocrobial Agents and Chemotherapy (ICAAC), Washington, DC, 2004.
- Frenzel E, Thomas G, Hanna H. Abstract Presentation, "The Accuracy of Verbal History of Previous Tuberculin Skin Test (TST) Results Compared to TST Placed at Time of Hire". Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America Fourteenth Annual Scientific Meeting, Philadelphia, PA, 2004.
- Frenzel E, Thomas G, Hanna H. Abstract Presentation, "The Importance of Two-step Tuberculin Skin Testing (TST) in Newly Employed Health Care Workers". Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America Fourteenth Annual Scientific Meeting, Philadelphia, PA, 2004.
- Thomas G, Frenzel E, Hanna H. Abstract Presentation, "SARS Surveillance for Employee-Travelers: the Experience of a Comprehensive Cancer Center". Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America Fourteenth Annual Scientific Meeting, Philadelphia, PA, 2004.
- Newton M, Gutierrez-Gonzalez M, Thomas G, Frenzel E. Abstract Presentation, "Tuberculosis Surveillance: Innovative Program Design for a Comprehensive Cancer Center". Best Practices in Occupational Safety and Health, Education, Training, and Communication, Baltimore, MD, 2002.
- Thomas G, Frenzel E, Hanna H. Abstract Presentation, "Smallpox vaccine: persistence of immune response in previously vaccinated adults". Society for Healthcare Epidemiology for America Twelfth Annual Scientific Meeting, Salt Lake City, UT, 2002.
- Frenzel E. Abstract Presentation, "A Model Policy for the Prevention and Reduction of Latex Allergy Among Hospital Workers". American Occupational Health Conference 2001 Annual Meeting, San Francisco, CA, 2001.