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INFORMATION FOR

Saad B. Omer

MBBS, MPH, PhD, FIDSA

Appointments

Biography

Dr. Omer has conducted studies in the United States, Guatemala, Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, South Africa, and Australia. Dr Omer’s research portfolio includes epidemiology of respiratory viruses such as influenza, RSV, and - more recently - COVID-19; clinical trials to estimate efficacy of maternal and/or infant influenza, pertussis, polio, measles and pneumococcal vaccines; and trials to evaluate drug regimens to reduce mother-to-child transmission of HIV. Moreover, he has conducted several studies on interventions to increase immunization coverage and acceptance. Dr Omer’s work has been cited in global and country-specific policy recommendations and has informed clinical practice and health legislation in several countries. He has directly mentored over 100 junior faculty, clinical and research post-doctoral fellows, and PhD and other graduate students.Dr. Omer has published widely in peer reviewed journals including the New England Journal of Medicine, JAMA, Lancet, British Medical Journal, Pediatrics, American Journal of Public Health, Science, and Nature and is the author of op-eds for publications such as the New York Times, Politico, and the Washington Post.

Dr Omer has received multiple awards –including the Maurice Hilleman Award by the National Foundation of Infectious Diseases for his work on the impact of maternal influenza immunization on respiratory illness in infants younger than 6 months-for whom there is no vaccine. He has served on several advisory panels including the U.S. National Vaccine Advisory Committee, Presidential Advisory Council on Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria -Vaccine Innovation Working Group, and WHO Expert Advisory Group for Healthcare Worker Vaccination. He has also served as an academic affiliate of the Office of Evaluation Sciences –formerly known as the White House Social and Behavioral Sciences Team.

Education & Training

  • PhD
    Johns Hopkins University (2007)
  • MPH
    Johns Hopkins University (2003)
  • MBBS
    Aga Khan University (1998)

Honors & Recognition

AwardAwarding OrganizationDate
National Academy of Medicine MemberNational Academy of Medicine2022
​M.A. PrivatumYale University2019
Christiaan Eijkman Invited LectureUtrecht University Medical Center2018
Millipub Club AwardEmory University2017
William H. Foege Chair in Global HealthEmory University2016
Millipub Club AwardEmory University2015
CMAJ Bruce Squires AwardCanadian Medical Association Journal2014
Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society Young Investigator AwardPediatric Infectious Diseases Society2013
Infectious Disease Society of America Program Choice AwardInfectious Disease Society of America2009
Maurice R. Hilleman Early-stage Career Investigator Award -National Foundation for Infectious Diseases2009
Global Health Institute, Faculty Distinction Fund AwardEGHI2008

Departments & Organizations