Infectologist, at VINCat, Spain.
🌟 M. Pilar Barrufet Barque is a distinguished physician specializing in Internal Medicine, with a profound focus on infectious diseases, including HIV/AIDS. She obtained her Doctor of Medicine degree from the Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona (UAB) and holds a postgraduate diploma in Quality Assessment and Improvement Methodology from the Avedis Donabedian Foundation. Her doctoral thesis, “TERAP-IA: Expert System for Pneumonia Treatment,” was awarded “Excellent Cum Laude” in 2000 and recognized as the Best Doctoral Thesis by the Academy of Medical Sciences of Catalonia and the Balearic Islands in 2001. With extensive experience in hospital-based infection control programs, she has played a crucial role in implementing antimicrobial stewardship initiatives. As an Associate Professor at UAB, she has mentored numerous medical students and residents. Her research contributions span over 60 indexed publications and participation in more than 50 clinical trials, cementing her reputation as a leader in infectious disease research.
Professional Profile
Scopus
Education 🎓
M. Pilar Barrufet Barque pursued her medical education at the Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona (UAB), earning her Doctor of Medicine degree. She further specialized in Internal Medicine and developed expertise in infectious diseases. To enhance her research and healthcare quality assessment skills, she completed a postgraduate diploma in Quality Assessment and Improvement Methodology at the Avedis Donabedian Foundation, in collaboration with UAB’s Faculty of Medicine. Her doctoral research, conducted within the Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics-Gynecology, and Preventive Medicine at UAB, focused on developing the TERAP-IA expert system for pneumonia treatment. This work earned her the highest distinction, “Excellent Cum Laude,” and was recognized as the best doctoral thesis among medical scholars from 1999 to 2000. Her educational background laid the foundation for her extensive contributions to medical research, hospital infection control, and antimicrobial stewardship programs.
Experience 🏥
Dr. Barrufet has had a prolific career in both clinical practice and research. She currently serves as an internist at the Hospital de Mataró, focusing on infectious diseases, particularly HIV/AIDS management. Holding a Level IV D professional career ranking, she has been instrumental in coordinating hospital-wide infection prevention programs, including the VINCat Nosocomial Infection Surveillance Program and the PREVINQ-Cat Surgical Infection Prevention Program. Additionally, she has led the implementation of the Rationalization and Optimization of Antibiotic Use (PROA) initiative across multiple healthcare settings in the Maresme region. As an educator, she has served as an Associate Professor at UAB, mentoring medical students and training residents. Her commitment to advancing medical knowledge is reflected in her coordination of numerous training courses and conferences on infectious diseases, HIV management, and antimicrobial resistance.
Research Interests 🔬
Dr. Barrufet’s research focuses on infectious diseases, antimicrobial stewardship, and healthcare-associated infections. She has made significant contributions to the study of pneumonia treatment through her work on the TERAP-IA expert system, which aids in antibiotic selection and hospitalization decisions for community-acquired pneumonia. Her research also explores methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) prevalence, risk factors, and clinical significance in acute care and long-term healthcare settings. She actively participates in studies related to HIV/AIDS, including epidemiological surveillance and clinical management. As a principal investigator and co-investigator in over 50 clinical trials, she has contributed to advancements in infection control policies. Additionally, she is a member of the Catalan Research Group on Community-Acquired Pneumonia and COPD and collaborates with national and international institutions on infectious disease research projects.
Awards & Recognitions 🏆
Dr. Barrufet has received numerous prestigious awards for her contributions to medical science. Her doctoral thesis was honored with the Best Doctoral Thesis Award (1999-2000) by the Academy of Medical Sciences of Catalonia and the Balearic Islands. She has won multiple awards for her publications and research presentations, including:
- Best Publication Award (2006) for research on Legionella pneumophila outbreaks.
- Best Communication Award (2005) for her study on MRSA prevalence in healthcare institutions.
- Joan Vivancos Award (2004) for her publication on multi-agent systems in restricted prescription monitoring.
- Best Communication Award (2003) for research on advance directives among HIV-positive patients.
- P. Farreras Valentí Award (1997) for research on hospital admissions among HIV/AIDS patients.
- Accésit P. Farreras Valentí Award (1988) for research on nosocomial urinary tract infection prevention. Her extensive recognition highlights her impactful research and dedication to improving infectious disease management.
Top Noted Publications 📚
Dr. Barrufet has authored over 60 indexed publications, including:
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Barrufet, P. (1996)
Title: TERAP-IA: Expert System for Pneumonia Treatment
Publication Type: Technical Report IIIA-RR 96-18
Institution: CSIC, Campus UAB
Summary: This report presents an expert system, TERAP-IA, designed for pneumonia treatment, integrating AI-based decision support to optimize diagnosis and treatment strategies.
Link: [Unavailable]
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Barrufet, P., & Puyol-Gruart, J. (1998)
Title: TERAP-IA: A Knowledge-Based System for Pneumonia Treatment
Event: International ICSC Symposium on Engineering of Intelligent Systems
Summary: This paper elaborates on the TERAP-IA system, emphasizing its knowledge-based approach to assist clinicians in pneumonia treatment.
Link: [Unavailable]
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Barrufet, P., Sauca, G., Force, L., Felip, A., et al. (2006)
Title: Legionella pneumophila Outbreak Description
Journal: Medicina Clínica (Barc)
Volume: 126
Pages: 178-182
Citations: 50
Summary: A detailed epidemiological study describing an outbreak of Legionella pneumophila, including transmission pathways, patient outcomes, and control measures.
Link: [Unavailable]
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Barrufet, P., Vendrell, E., Rodriguez, S., Force, L. (2005)
Title: MRSA Colonization in Healthcare Institutions
Conference: VIII Jornada de Recerca
Citations: 35
Summary: Research on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization in healthcare settings, highlighting infection control measures.
Link: [Unavailable]
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Godo, L., Puyol-Gruart, J., Sabater, J., Torra, V., Barrufet, P., & Fàbregas, X. (2003)
Title: Multi-Agent System for Monitoring Prescription of Restricted Antibiotics
Journal: Artificial Intelligence in Medicine
Citations: 60
Summary: Discusses a multi-agent AI system designed to monitor and regulate the prescription of restricted antibiotics to ensure proper antimicrobial stewardship.
Link: [Unavailable]
Conclusion
M. Pilar Barrufet Barque is a highly qualified candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to her extensive contributions to infectious disease research, leadership in infection control programs, and innovative applications of AI in medicine. While she has a strong regional impact, enhancing global collaborations and high-impact publications could further solidify her standing as a leading international researcher.