Wilbur H. Chen

Wilbur H. Chen, MD, MS is a Professor of Medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. He serves as Chief of the Adult Clinical Studies section within the Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health and Director of the UMB Travel Medicine Practice. Dr. Chen holds the Frank M. Calia, M.D. Endowed Professorship and serves as Chief of Geographic Medicine.

Dr. Chen received his B.A. in Biology from Boston University (1992), M.D. from Howard University College of Medicine (1999), completed residency in Internal Medicine at Johns Hopkins University Bayview Medical Center (1999-2002), and fellowships in Infectious Diseases at University of Maryland Medical Center (2002-2004) and in Vaccinology at University of Maryland Center for Vaccine Development (2004-2006). He also earned an M.S. in Clinical Research from University of Maryland (2008).

Dr. Chen is an adult infectious disease physician-scientist specializing in vaccine development. His research focuses on two broad areas: developing vaccines for enteric pathogens that primarily affect resource-poor countries, and improving vaccines for the elderly population. As an active investigator in the NIAID-supported Vaccine and Treatment Evaluation Unit (VTEU), he has led vaccine trials for influenza viruses, agents of bioterrorism, and enteric pathogens. He also develops human experimental challenge studies to understand pathogenesis and evaluate candidate vaccines.

Dr. Chen's publication record demonstrates expertise in vaccinology, particularly in influenza, cholera, norovirus, and enteric pathogens. His work shows a consistent focus on clinical trial design, vaccine immunogenicity, and the development of challenge models for vaccine evaluation. He has contributed significantly to understanding immune responses to various vaccine platforms and adjuvants.

Dr. Chen has received numerous scientific awards including:

• 2022: Frank M. Calia, M.D. Endowed Professorship
• 2022: Mary Betty Stevens Award for Excellence in Clinical Investigation
• 2021: UMB Founders Week Special Founders Week COVID-19 Pandemic Award
• 2017: Elected Fellow, Infectious Disease Society of America
• 2016: Elected Fellow, American College of Physicians
• 2008: Passano Physician Scientist Award

Dr. Chen has secured significant grant funding from NIAID, CDC, and The Wellcome Trust for vaccine research. He serves on the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and as a core member of NIAID's Data and Safety Monitoring Board. His leadership in clinical trials has contributed to vaccine development for influenza, cholera, shigella, and other pathogens.

Dr. Chen leads the Adult Clinical Studies section at the Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, where he oversees clinical trial operations and research activities. He also directs the UMB Travel Medicine Practice, providing specialized care for travelers. His team conducts human challenge studies and clinical trials to evaluate novel vaccine candidates and improve understanding of infectious disease pathogenesis.