Mark Hicar

Mark D. Hicar
MD, PhD, FPIDS, FIDSA

Mark D. Hicar MD, PhD, FPIDS, FIDSA

UBMD Pediatrics

Specialties

Immunology; Infectious Disease; Kawasaki Disease; Monoclonal Antibodies; Pediatric Infectious Diseases; Pediatrics; Retroviruses; Vaccine Development

Accepting new patients
 

Professional Summary:

My lab currently focuses B cell responses during inflammation with current main projects focusing on HIV and Kawasaki disease.

Currently, the HIV field is in desperate need for greater knowledge regarding the mechanisms involved in induction of neutralizing antibodies and mucosal immune responses against HIV. I have characterized a collection of human antibodies that target structural epitopes on the Envelope protein of HIV. Current work is being pursued to define the targets of these antibodies and to assess if they can recognize cutting edge HIV vaccine candidates. Designing improved immunogens that elicit enhanced antibody activity from vaccination is the overall goal of my HIV research.

Kawasaki Disease (KD) is an inflammatory disorder of children that can lead to dire consequences. KD is the leading cause of acquired heart disease in children and primarily affects children under 5 years of age. However, the cause remains unknown. Some groups have shown indications that B cell responses target a specific entity. My work focuses on characterizing how KD presents in Western New York and explores a role for specific B cell responses in the pathogenesis of this mysterious disease.

In my career I hope to become an accomplished physician-scientist who significantly impacts both the fields of lymphocyte development and HIV infection. Mucosal immune responses are of particular interest since they are so vital in the first line of defense in HIV and most other viral infections.

Specialties:

Immunology, Infectious Disease, Kawasaki Disease, Monoclonal Antibodies, Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Pediatrics, Retroviruses, Vaccine Development

Patients Treated:

Children, Adolescents

Physician Gender:

Male


Appointments:

UBMD Pediatrics Outpatient Center
Conventus
1001 Main Street
4th Floor
Buffalo, New York 14203
Office Hours: Tuesday: 8:00 am-12:00 pm; Wednesday: 1:00 pm-5:00 pm
Phone: (716) 323-0150
Fax: (716) 323-0296
Accepting new patients

Insurance Accepted:
  • Aetna U.S. Healthcare
  • Blue Cross & Blue Shield of WNY Inc
  • CIGNA HealthCare
  • Community Blue (HMO)
  • Community Blue Advantage
  • Coventry
  • Empire
  • Fidelis
  • Independent Health Association (HMO)
  • Independent Health Medisource
  • Lifetime Benefit Solutions / RMSCO
  • MVP Healthcare
  • Magnacare
  • Medicaid
  • Medicare
  • Nofault
  • North American Administrators
  • Nova
  • POMCO
  • Preferred Care
  • Railroad Medicare
  • TriCare/Champus
  • Tricare
  • United Healthcare
  • Univera Health Care (HMO)
  • Veterans Administration
  • WellCare
  • Workers Comp


Board Certifications:

  • Board Certification, American Board of Pediatrics
  • Board Certification, American Board of Pediatrics, Sub-board in Pediatric Infectious Diseases

Education and Training:

  • Fellowship, Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine (2009)
  • Residency, Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine (2005)
  • Internship, Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine (2003)
  • MD, Medicine, Ohio State University College of Medicine (2002)
  • PhD, Molecular Virology, Immunology and Medical Genetics, Ohio State University College of Medicine (2002)
  • BA, Biology, University of Chicago (1993)

Awards and Honors:

  • Fellow (2022)
  • Fellow of Infectious Diseases Society of America (FIDSA) (2021)
  • Buffalo Spree Magazine: Top Doctors in Western New York (2017-present) (2021)
  • Castle Connolly: Regional Top Doctors (2017-present) (2021)
  • University at Buffalo: Faculty Expert (2018)
  • University at Buffalo: Graduate Full Faculty Membership (2018)
  • Infectious Diseases Society of America: ERF/NFID Wyeth Young Investigator Award in Vaccine Development (2009-2011) (2009)
  • Human Antibodies International Journal: 14th Annual International Conference on Human Antibodies and Hybridomas (Invited Speaker) (2008)
  • Pediatric Academic Societies: Travel Award (2008)
  • Keystone Conference: HIV Pathogenesis Travel Award (2008)
  • American Association of Immunologists: Travel Award (2007)
  • National Institutes of Health: Loan Repayment Award (2006-2012) (2006)
  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society and St. Jude Fellowship in Basic Research (2006-2009) (2006)
  • Vanderbilt Pediatric House Staff: David Karzon Research Award (2005)
  • Ohio State University: Medical Scientist Fellowship (1998-2002) (1998)
  • Ohio State University: Landacre Day - 1st Place Poster Presentation (1998)
  • Ohio State University: Medical Microbiology and Immunology Teaching Assistantship (1997)
  • Ohio State University: Molecular Life Sciences Fellowship (1996)
  • Ohio State University: Roessler Fellowship (1996)
  • Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society (1989)
  • University of Chicago: National Merit Scholar (1989)

Research Profile:

This UBMD physician is also a member of the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo, teaching the next generation of doctors and researching to advance care in WNY and beyond. Learn more about this physician's research and teaching activities, as well as view credentials, publications, professional involvement and more below.


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