Joel Breman

American physician and epidemiologist

Joel G. Breman is an American physician and epidemiologist known for his extensive work in the field of infectious diseases, particularly in the eradication of smallpox and the study of Ebola virus disease.

Early life and education

Joel Breman was born in the United States. He pursued his undergraduate studies at Oberlin College, where he developed an interest in the biological sciences. He later attended the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, earning his medical degree. Breman completed his residency in internal medicine at the University of California, San Francisco.

Career

Smallpox eradication

Breman's career in public health began with his involvement in the global campaign to eradicate smallpox. He worked with the World Health Organization (WHO) in the 1970s, contributing to the successful eradication of the disease. His efforts were primarily focused in West Africa, where he helped implement vaccination programs and conducted surveillance to identify and contain outbreaks.

Joel Breman in 1976 during the smallpox eradication campaign

Ebola research

Following his work on smallpox, Breman became involved in the study of Ebola virus disease. He was part of the team that investigated the first known outbreak of Ebola in Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo) in 1976. His research contributed significantly to the understanding of the virus's transmission and pathology.

Work with the CDC

Breman joined the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), where he continued his work on infectious diseases. At the CDC, he held various positions, including serving as the Chief of the Epidemiology Branch in the Division of Parasitic Diseases. His work at the CDC involved research on malaria, HIV/AIDS, and other tropical diseases.

Later career

In addition to his work with the CDC, Breman has been involved with numerous international health organizations. He has served as a senior scientific advisor at the Fogarty International Center of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), where he focused on global health research and training programs.

Awards and recognition

Throughout his career, Joel Breman has received numerous awards for his contributions to public health and epidemiology. His work has been recognized by various organizations, and he is considered a leading expert in the field of infectious diseases.

Related pages

• Smallpox eradication
• Ebola virus disease
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• World Health Organization