Ellen Eaton

Ellen Eaton, MD, MSPH, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine - Infectious Diseases and the School of Public Health - Epidemiology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). She holds dual appointments in the Center for AIDS Research and the Center for Outcomes and Effectiveness Research and Education (COERE). Her research focuses on infectious consequences of substance use and mental illness, particularly in marginalized populations in the Deep South. Dr. Eaton directs the Office-Based Addiction Treatment Clinic at the 1917 HIV Clinic, the NIH-funded HIV and Addiction Training (HEAT) Program, and the UAB Addiction, Infection, Clinical Care, and Research Training (ART) Program. She serves on the National Academy of Medicine (NAM) Opioid Collaborative Working Group and was elected to the HIV Medicine Association (HIVMA) Board of Directors in 2024.

Her work integrates mixed methods and implementation science to address healthcare delivery gaps, with emphasis on telemedicine, stigma reduction, and policy advocacy. Notable leadership roles include directing the Alabama Lifespan Sickle Cell Tracking Access Towards Equality (ALSTATE) Network and collaborating on the Zambia Alabama HIV Alcohol Comorbidities Program (ZAMBAMA). Over 37 grants and contracts fund her research, spanning HIV/AIDS prevention, opioid use disorder treatment, and public health initiatives. She has advised 29+ students and mentees, contributing to the next generation of addiction and infectious disease researchers.

Dr. Eaton's clinical expertise includes managing infectious complications of substance use, with a focus on rural/underserved communities. She previously served in Jefferson County and Birmingham's COVID-19 response teams, demonstrating her commitment to public health crises. Awards include NAM Emerging Leader recognition and leadership in national HIV policy initiatives.