J. Michael Lane

J. Michael Lane

J. Michael Lane (1936 – 2020) was an American physician and epidemiologist, best known for his work in the eradication of smallpox. He served as the director of the Smallpox Eradication Program at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and played a crucial role in the global effort to eliminate the disease.

Early Life and Education

J. Michael Lane was born in 1936. He pursued his undergraduate studies at Yale University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. He then attended Harvard Medical School, obtaining his Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree. Lane completed his residency in internal medicine at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF).

Career

Smallpox Eradication

Lane joined the CDC in 1963, where he initially worked on various infectious diseases. In 1966, he became involved in the Smallpox Eradication Program, which was a joint effort by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the CDC. Lane's leadership and expertise were instrumental in the success of the program, which culminated in the declaration of the eradication of smallpox in 1980.

Later Work

After the eradication of smallpox, Lane continued to work at the CDC, focusing on other infectious diseases and public health initiatives. He also served as a professor at the Emory University School of Medicine, where he taught and mentored future generations of epidemiologists and public health professionals.

Legacy

J. Michael Lane's contributions to public health, particularly in the eradication of smallpox, have had a lasting impact on global health. His work has saved countless lives and serves as a model for future disease eradication efforts.

Personal Life

Lane was married and had children. He passed away in 2020.

See Also

• Smallpox vaccine
• World Health Organization
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Epidemiology