USI Shaw Lecture to explore emerging infectious diseases

Dr.  William Schaffner, professor of medicine and preventive medicine at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, will present "Emerging Infectious Diseases: A Global Challenge" for the annual Dr. Marlene V Shaw Annual Biology Lecture at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 25, in Mitchell Auditorium in the Health Professions Center at the University of Southern Indiana. The lecture is free and open to the public.

Schaffner's primary interest in infectious diseases is the effective use of vaccines to achieve a healthier population from infancy to seniority. His expertise in bacterial and viral diseases ranges from immunization of infants to senior citizens. His advice on vaccines is sought for technical aspects as well as public health policy. 

During his career at Vanderbilt, Schaffner has served in many roles including Chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases and Chairman of the Department of Preventive Medicine. He is immediate past president of the National Foundation for Infectious Disease, is its liaison representative to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, and co-principal investigator of the CDC's Emerging Infections Program Steering Committee.

Schaffner is the recipient of numerous honors including awards for service and leadership from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, American Public Health Association, CDC, American College of Physicians and the World Health Organization.

A USI Foundation endowment underwrites the Dr. Marlene V Shaw Annual Biology Lecture.