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Mark Rupp, M.D. |
NOTE: This profile is part of a series to highlight the 16 researchers who will be honored April 30 at a ceremony for UNMC’s 2012 Scientist Laureate, Distinguished Scientist and New Investigator Award recipients.
- Name: Mark Rupp, M.D.
- Title: Professor and chief, division of infectious diseases, and medical director, department of infection control and epidemiology, College of Medicine
- Joined UNMC: 1992
- Hometown: Houston
Describe your research briefly in layman’s terms.
I’ve been lucky to be involved in research in a number of areas with a variety of terrific collaborators. The main thrust of our efforts is concerned with how to best detect, prevent and treat health care-associated infections, examples would include vascular catheter-related bloodstream infections and Clostridium difficile colitis. Most of our projects would be classified as translational or clinical research.
How does your research contribute to science and/or health care?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 1.5 to 2 million health care-associated infections (HAIs) occur in the U.S. yearly, resulting in about 100,000 deaths. There is a tremendous need to better understand these infections and how to best prevent them. Our research has contributed to the overall goal of eliminating preventable HAIs and patients have benefited from our efforts.
List three things few people know about you.
- I try to maintain physical fitness by playing soccer with an “old-timers” club.
- When not working, I enjoy gardening, reading (primarily non-fiction on a variety of topics, including American history – 20th century), and photography.
- I have a weakness for gummy bears.
Congratulations, Dr. Rupp!