Michael A. Rubin

Michael A. Rubin, MD, PhD, MS is Professor of Internal Medicine (Infectious Disease & Epidemiology) at the University of Utah School of Medicine and an attending physician in infectious diseases and hospital epidemiology. He is based at the University of Utah Health Sciences Center and the VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, where he leads multidisciplinary research programs focused on preventing healthcare-associated infections and antimicrobial resistance.

Education & Training:

• BA – Cornell University College of Arts & Sciences
• MD – University of Illinois at Chicago
• PhD – University of Illinois at Chicago
• Internship, Residency & Fellowship – University of Utah School of Medicine
• MS – University of Utah
• K30 Training Program – University of Utah

Research Focus: Dr. Rubin’s work integrates clinical infectious diseases, hospital epidemiology, medical informatics, and computer simulation to design, implement, and evaluate interventions that prevent infections caused by multidrug-resistant organisms such as MRSA and Clostridioides difficile. His research portfolio includes large pragmatic trials across the Veterans Affairs healthcare system, agent-based modeling of pathogen transmission, and development of electronic surveillance and clinical decision-support tools.

His recent publications demonstrate a consistent emphasis on translational epidemiology—moving from bedside observation to population-level intervention. Studies examine the effectiveness of contact precautions, environmental cleaning bundles, antimicrobial stewardship programs, and novel surveillance methodologies, all evaluated within rigorous quasi-experimental or randomized designs.

Scientific Contributions & Awards: While the supplied text does not list specific named awards, Dr. Rubin’s sustained funding and prolific publication record (over 70 peer-reviewed articles, multiple editorials, and national guidelines) reflect recognition as a leading investigator in healthcare epidemiology and informatics. His work has directly informed VA national policy on MRSA prevention and CRE guideline implementation.

Collaborations & Teams: Dr. Rubin collaborates extensively with the VA Quality Enhancement Research Initiative (QUERI), the CDC Prevention Epicenters Program, and interdisciplinary teams spanning infectious diseases, nursing, pharmacy, data science, and health economics. He mentors trainees at all levels and participates in national working groups on antimicrobial resistance and infection prevention.