During the annual IDWeek 2025, the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) recognized twelve foremost specialists for their meaningful contributions to the field of infectious diseases. IDSA President Tina Tan, MD, FIDSA, FPIDS, FAAP expressed her deep delight in acknowledging these remarkable leaders, not just for their pivotal roles in combating infectious diseases, but also for influencing the up-and-coming scientific community to rigorously engage with this vital field of study.
The honorable recipient of the Alexander Fleming Award for Lifetime Achievement was Cynthia Sears, MD, FIDSA, a seasoned scientist lauded for her revolutionary research, inspiring mentorship and profound involvement with IDSA. Cynthia Sears has significantly contributed to our comprehension of the microbiota and its crucial role in colorectal cancer and its treatment. Over the years, she has pioneered numerous studies on gut infections and her consequential research, published in Science, revolutionized our understanding of the relation between host microbiota and cancer. As a member of IDSA’s Board of Directors, she also led the efforts to improve national policies on antimicrobial resistance and stewardship and readiness for pandemics.
Helen “Keipp” Talbot, MD, MPH, FIDSA was awarded the Anthony Fauci Courage in Leadership Award, honoring individuals who passionately advocate for advancement in the field of infectious diseases. By displaying unflinching courage in times of crises, as seen during the rise of vaccine hesitancy and the era marked by anti-vaccine sentiment, Dr. Talbot demonstrated her dedication toward public health. She has been a fundamental voice, informing the U.S. vaccine policy during the COVID-19 pandemic.
For his substantial contributions to public health, David Ross, MD, PhD, MBI was bestowed with the D.A. Henderson Award. By employing a comprehensive approach to identifying and treating patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the Veteran Affair health care system, he was instrumental in the paradigm shift of Hepatitis C treatments. Under his leadership, the patient-focused VA HCV program identified and initiated treatment for over 90% of veterans attending VA health care centers, reducing their morbidity and mortality rates significantly.
Marlene L. Durand, MD, FIDSA, a gifted physician at Harvard Medical School, received the Watanakunakorn Clinician Award for her compassionate and innovative approaches in treating complex infections of the eyes, ears, nose, and throat. With the Walter E. Stamm Mentor Award, Judith A. Aberg, MD, FIDSA was recognized for her unwavering commitment to guidance and mentorship that helped shape the careers of numerous clinicians, researchers and public health leaders.
Finally, the Oswald Avery Award for Early Achievement was awarded to Sameer Kadri, MD, MS, FIDSA, for his robust use of data science to address critical questions related to antimicrobial resistance, sepsis, COVID-19, and other epidemiological problems. His work with tremendous speed and accuracy has had significant global and national impact.
Thus, IDWeek 2025 celebrated individuals who have thrived in their dedicated pursuits to better understand and combat infectious diseases, be it through research and innovation, public health initiative, or nurturing the upcoming generation of scientists and physicians.
Source: https://www.poz.com/article/idsa-honors-leaders-infectious-diseases-idweek-2025