Institute of Medicine names Texas A&M public health preparedness expert to health threats committee

Scott Lillibridge, M.D., assistant dean and professor at the Texas A&M Health Science Center (TAMHSC) School of Rural Public Health, has been appointed to the Institute of Medicine Health Threats Resilience Standing Committee.

Comprised of experts in a variety of public health and emergency management and preparedness fields, the Institute of Medicine Health Threats Resilience Standing Committee provides recommendations to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Health Affairs. The committee specifically addresses topics in community resilience against health threats; health security; emergency response; and capacity and gaps in the federal, state, and local authorities’ ability to respond to catastrophic health events.

A 30-year veteran in medical and public health preparedness, Lillibridge also serves as deputy principal investigator and chief scientist for the Texas A&M Center for Innovation in Advanced Development and Manufacturing (CIADM).

Founded on an initial $285.6 million public-private partnership with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Texas A&M CIADM is designed to enhance the nation’s preparedness and response against emerging infectious diseases, including pandemic influenza, and chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats.

“This distinguished committee assists in driving decisions that directly impact our nation’s security and preparedness initiatives,” Lillibridge said. “It is an honor to be chosen and given the opportunity to link our work at Texas A&M in biodefense and emerging infectious disease with national priorities.”

Prior to his time with TAMHSC, during his federal career, Lillibridge served as founding director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Program and also worked as Special Assistant to the Secretary for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

“With his long-standing career in public service, Scott brings incomparable experience to the committee and continues the Aggie tradition of service to our nation” said Brett P. Giroir, M.D., interim executive vice president and CEO of TAMHSC. “His efforts will result in policy creation that will, ultimately, keep people safe – and that’s one of the best examples of service any scientist can offer.”