Michael Osterholm Discusses the Impact of Infectious Diseases
Michael Osterholm, PhD, MPH, an internationally recognized expert in infectious disease epidemiology, presented “Emerging Infections in a Modern World: A View from the Front Windshield and Rearview Mirror” at the 2015 Samuel W. Melendy Lecture, which was held on both the Twin Cities and Duluth campuses in March.
“Oceans, mountains and country borders don’t make a difference when it comes to stopping the spread of infectious diseases,” said Osterholm. “Unfortunately changes are occurring in infectious diseases while globally there’s been a reduction in public health jobs.”
Besides the public health concern, Osterholm warned that infectious diseases can have a great impact on the global economy as well.
“If countries are forced to shut down their borders because of the fear of infectious diseases, the collateral damage on trade can be cataclysmic.”
To learn more about the work the U is doing in infectious disease research and policy, visit www.cidrap.umn.edu.
The lecture is named for Samuel Melendy, a staunch supporter of the College of Pharmacy in its early years, who died in 1916. Each year, a student committee composed of College Board members chooses a speaker and organizes the event, which includes the lectures and dinner.