MacArthur Fellow Wafaa El-Sadr to Deliver 2010 BUSPH Commencement Address
Wafaa El-Sadr, MD, MPH, director of the International Center for AIDS Care and Treatment Programs (ICAP) and director of the Global Health Initiative at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health, will address graduates and their families May 16 at the Boston University School of Public Health 2010 commencement ceremony.
For two decades, Dr. El-Sadr served as chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases at Harlem Hospital Center in New York City. In this role, she was instrumental in the development of a comprehensive HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis program focused on service, training, and research. This unique program applies a family-focused approach, uses multidisciplinary teams, and engages community members.
ICAP, the Center she founded and currently directs, works in 14 countries in sub-Saharan Africa in partnership with governmental and non-governmental organizations building in-country capacity for HIV prevention, care and treatment. More than 750,000 people living with HIV have gained access to HIV care services and to life-saving antiretroviral therapy through these programs. ICAP champions a family-focused approach consistent with the one pioneered at Harlem Hospital.
Dr. El-Sadr is also recognized for her research work. She led the design and implementation of numerous studies that have furthered the understanding of the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and other infectious diseases. Her work has also advanced the concepts of health systems strengthening globally for the purpose of confronting major health threats faced by communities around the world.
In 2008, Dr. El-Sadr was named a John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation Fellow in recognition of her creativity, originality, and potential to make important contributions for the future. In addition, in 2009, she was named one of “100 People Who Are Changing America” by Rolling Stone Magazine and listed among the “Guiding 10 Honor Roll” by Scientific American.
Dr. El-Sadr earned a doctorate in medicine from Cairo University in Egypt, a master’s degree in public health in epidemiology from the Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University, and a master’s degree in public administration from the Kennedy School for Government at Harvard University. She is currently a professor of medicine and epidemiology at Columbia University.
Dr. El-Sadr will also serve as the Baccalaureate speaker at the Boston University commencement ceremony where she will receive an honorary Doctor of Science.
The BUSPH commencement ceremony will be held May 16, beginning at 4:30 p.m., at the Boston Convention Center, 415 Summer Street.