Michael Osterholm

Michael Osterholm at Ghana Armed Forces United States Naval Medical Research Unit-3 Molecular Lab

Michael T. Osterholm is an American epidemiologist, public health scientist, and a biosecurity and infectious disease expert. Osterholm is the director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP) at the University of Minnesota, where he is also a Regents Professor, McKnight Presidential Endowed Chair in Public Health, and the director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy. He has been a prominent figure in the field of public health, particularly in the areas of infectious diseases and pandemic preparedness.

Early Life and Education

Michael Osterholm was born in Iowa, United States. He completed his undergraduate studies at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, and later earned his Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in environmental health and epidemiology from the University of Minnesota. His academic and professional career has been dedicated to understanding infectious diseases and how they spread, with a focus on improving public health responses to outbreaks.

Career

Osterholm has had a distinguished career in both public service and academia. Before founding CIDRAP, he served as the state epidemiologist and chief of the Acute Disease Epidemiology Section for the Minnesota Department of Health. His work has spanned numerous infectious disease outbreaks, including HIV/AIDS, SARS, Ebola, and COVID-19, providing critical insights into their management and containment.

He has been an advisor to both the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on issues of pandemic preparedness and infectious disease mitigation. Osterholm has also served on the National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity, where he contributed to national and global biosecurity policies.

Contributions to Public Health

Osterholm is known for his research and policy work on infectious diseases. He has published extensively in scientific journals, and his work has contributed significantly to the understanding of infectious disease epidemiology and biosecurity. One of his notable contributions is his advocacy for a "One Health" approach, which recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health in the spread and control of infectious diseases.

He has been a vocal advocate for preparedness against pandemic influenza, warning of the potential for a global pandemic years before the emergence of COVID-19. His book, "Deadliest Enemy: Our War Against Killer Germs," co-authored with Mark Olshaker, outlines the threats posed by various infectious diseases and offers strategies for preventing future pandemics.

COVID-19 Pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Osterholm gained national and international recognition for his expertise and clear communication about the virus's spread and impact. He served on President Joe Biden's COVID-19 Advisory Board during the transition period, advising on the response to the pandemic.

Awards and Recognition

Osterholm has received numerous awards for his work in public health, including the Public Health Hero Award from the University of California, Berkeley, School of Public Health. His contributions to the field of infectious diseases and his efforts to improve public health preparedness have made him a respected figure in the global health community.

See Also

• Epidemiology
• Pandemic preparedness
• Infectious disease
• Public health