Governor McDonnell Announces 2012 Virginia's Outstanding Scientists

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Richard L. Guerrant, M.D. is known as an international leader in infectious diseases and global health who has devoted his career to the study of gastrointestinal pathogens. Dr. Guerrant currently holds the positions of Thomas H. Hunter Professor of International Medicine and Director for the Center of Global Health at the University of Virginia. His in-depth research has brought attention to the long-term physical and cognitive impact of early childhood diarrhea caused by a lack of adequate water and sanitation. Through his work, Dr. Guerrant was able discover three emerging pathogens as the leading causes of persistent diarrhea and to define the cognitive deficit most affected was similar to that seen in Alzheimer’s disease.

Throughout his career, Dr. Guerrant has been awarded many honors including the prestigious Walter Reed Medal presented by the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. He is a member of the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences and currently chairs its Board on Global Health. Serving on several editorial and advisory boards, Dr. Guerrant has collaborated with the WHO and USDA. Dr. Guerrant has contributed to over 300 peer-reviewed publications in high-impact medical journals and been the editor of six books including Tropical Infectious Diseases and Infections of the Gastrointestinal Tract.