Cesar Ugarte-Gil

Cesar Ugarte-Gil is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Epidemiology at the School of Public and Population Health, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB). He is also affiliated with the Center for Global Health at the University of Pennsylvania as an Associate Scholar. His work bridges clinical medicine, epidemiology, and global health, with a focus on infectious diseases in low-resource settings, particularly in Latin America.

Dr. Ugarte-Gil's research interests center on tuberculosis, respiratory infections (including COVID-19 and influenza), tropical medicine, and HIV/AIDS. He investigates the implementation and validation of point-of-care diagnostic tools in primary care, aiming to improve early detection and treatment. He also explores the impact of comorbidities such as diabetes and depression on tuberculosis outcomes, as well as neglected infections like Bartonella bacilliformis.

The recent publications reflect a strong focus on epidemiological studies, diagnostic validation, and comorbidity research across multiple countries. His work often involves multisite collaborations in high-burden settings such as Peru, Indonesia, South Africa, and Romania. Key themes include diagnostic access, health equity, and health systems strengthening in resource-limited environments.

Dr. Ugarte-Gil has served as a consultant for the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) on tuberculosis-related initiatives. He has led NIH- and CIHR-funded projects, including FEND for TB and integration of molecular testing for TB and COVID-19 on the GeneXpert platform. He has also contributed to systematic reviews and meta-analyses on leprosy and mental health in TB.

He has advised and collaborated with various trainees and scholars, particularly within global health mentorship programs. His recent projects involve public health interventions, diagnostic implementation, and health policy evaluation.

Dr. Ugarte-Gil is actively involved in research teams focused on global infectious diseases, with strong ties to institutions in Peru and the United States. His work is conducted through collaborative networks including UTMB, Johns Hopkins, and PAHO/WHO, emphasizing field implementation and translational research.