Peter Hotez

Peter Hotez

Peter Hotez is an American scientist, pediatrician, and advocate for global health and vaccine development. He is a leading figure in the fields of tropical medicine and vaccine research, with a particular focus on diseases that affect the world's poorest populations, often referred to as neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). Hotez has played a crucial role in developing vaccines for these diseases, which include conditions such as schistosomiasis, hookworm infection, and lymphatic filariasis. Born in Hartford, Connecticut, Hotez went on to receive his undergraduate degree from Yale University, followed by an M.D. from Weill Cornell Medical College, and a Ph.D. in biochemistry from Rockefeller University. His career has been marked by a commitment to addressing the health disparities caused by NTDs and advocating for vaccine diplomacy as a means to improve global health. Hotez holds several prestigious positions, including Dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, and Co-Director of the Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development. He is also a University Professor at Baylor University and a Fellow in Disease and Poverty at the James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy. Throughout his career, Hotez has been a prolific author and communicator, publishing numerous scientific articles and books aimed at both the scientific community and the general public. His work emphasizes the importance of vaccines in combating infectious diseases and the need for a global effort to support vaccine development and distribution. Hotez's advocacy extends beyond the laboratory and into the public sphere, where he has been an outspoken critic of the anti-vaccine movement. He argues that misinformation about vaccines poses a significant threat to public health, particularly for the control and elimination of NTDs. His efforts to combat vaccine hesitancy and promote science-based public health policies have made him a respected voice in the field of global health. In recognition of his contributions to medicine and public health, Hotez has received numerous awards and honors. He is a member of the National Academy of Medicine and has served on advisory panels for both the U.S. government and the World Health Organization. Hotez's work exemplifies the critical role of science and medicine in addressing global health challenges. Through his research, advocacy, and leadership, he continues to make significant contributions to the fight against neglected tropical diseases and to the broader goal of improving health outcomes for the world's most vulnerable populations.

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  Peter Hotez at the 2019 Texas Book Festival