Mark Rupp, MD, former chief of the UNMC Division of Infectious Diseases, has received the 2026 Senior Scholar Award the Society of Healthcare Epidemiology of America.
Dr. Rupp, a former president of the organization, was presented with the award at the opening plenary session of IDWeek, on Oct. 21 in Washington, D.C
The award recognizes the work of an investigator/practitioner in infection prevention/healthcare epidemiology and is based on the breadth and quality of the nominee’s contributions to infection prevention and healthcare epidemiology.
Lisa Maragakis, MD, SHEA president, said Dr. Rupp’s career exemplifies the impact that dedicated leadership, scientific excellence and mentorship can have on infection prevention.
“From his leadership as SHEA President during the H1N1 response to his contributions to advancing research, education and international collaboration, Dr. Rupp has helped shape SHEA and our field,” Dr. Maragakis said. “His remarkable body of work and commitment to developing the next generation of leaders make him an exceptionally deserving recipient of the 2026 SHEA Senior Scholar Award.”
UNMC College of Medicine Dean Bradley Britigan, MD, said Dr. Rupp was an excellent choice for the award.
“Mark’s entire career has been one of committed leadership in the area of infectious diseases,’ Dr. Britigan said. “He has been strong voice for effective treatment and prevention, often at times when a strong voice has been most needed.”
Dr. Rupp was the chief of infectious diseases at UNMC for 14 years and as the interim chair of internal medicine from January 2025 to March 2026. During that time, he became a well-known figure to Nebraskans, particularly during the COVID pandemic, as he appeared in state and national media to discuss COVID and other infectious diseases, always providing understandable and accurate information.
“I am very pleased, proud, and honored to accept the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America Senior Scholar Award,” Dr. Rupp said. “This is a singular honor that I will cherish. To see my name amongst the prior awardees is a very humbling experience.”
Thanking his wife and family for their support, Dr. Rupp also said that UNMC had been a wonderful place to work.
“None of us work in isolation – and that has certainly been true for me. I have had numerous brilliant and influential teachers, skillful mentors, generous collaborators, and energetic students and trainees that have collectively been instrumental in my career – I owe all of them a great debt of gratitude.
“Finally, I also wish to acknowledge the role that SHEA has played in my career. SHEA has provided me with a professional home and wonderful opportunities to make professional connections with like-minded individuals. I am truly thankful for the role that SHEA has played in making my career fuller and more fulfilling.”