Karen L. Kotloff, MD is the John A. Scholl, MD and Mary Louise Scholl, MD Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM). She serves as Head of the Division of Infectious Disease and Tropical Pediatrics and Associate Director of Clinical Studies at the Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health (CVD). Board certified in Pediatrics and Pediatric Infectious Disease, she provides clinical care at the University of Maryland Medical Center for children with infectious diseases in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Her educational background includes: B.A. in Psychology, Washington University (1975) M.D., Temple University School of Medicine (1979) Pediatric Internship and Residency, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh (1980-83) Fellowship in Infectious Disease, University of Maryland School of Medicine (1983-86) Dr. Kotloff's research focuses on the epidemiology of infectious diseases and vaccine development to prevent child mortality globally. Her work spans clinical trials of vaccines across all age groups, with emphasis on diarrheal diseases, pneumonia, and other infectious causes of death in children. She has pioneered major international studies including GEMS, VIDA, CHAMPS, and PERCH to identify pathogens and develop interventions in low-resource settings. Her research integrates field epidemiology with translational science to address critical gaps in global child health. Her publication record demonstrates leadership in vaccine trials for emerging pathogens (including COVID-19), bacterial infections (Shigella, group A streptococcus), and respiratory diseases. The research consistently addresses high-burden conditions in developing countries, with strong emphasis on practical interventions that reduce mortality. Major awards include: Distinguished Professor, University of Maryland, Baltimore (2021) Temple University School of Medicine Alumni Achievement Award (2019) Chevalier de l’Ordre National du Mali (2005) Alexander I. Shaeffer Teaching Award (1987-88) As Principal Investigator of the NIAID-funded Vaccine Treatment and Evaluation Unit (VTEU), she leads multiple large-scale clinical trials. Current grants include: VTEU site implementation (2020-2026) Azithromycin impact studies in Mali (Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation) CHAMPS (Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance) Enterics for Global Health site readiness She serves on international advisory committees for the Gates Foundation and WHO, directly influencing global health policy. Dr. Kotloff directs the Division of Infectious Disease and Tropical Pediatrics and plays a central role in the CVD, where her team conducts research from basic science to field implementation across multiple continents, with ongoing projects in Africa and Asia.












