Dr. Anne Rimoin Closed Now

Early Life and Education

Dr. Anne W. Rimoin is an American epidemiologist widely recognized for her extensive work on emerging infectious diseases, particularly viral hemorrhagic fevers in Africa. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in African History at Yale University, which sparked her deep interest in global health and the intersections between history, politics, and disease.

She went on to pursue an MPH (Master of Public Health) in International Health from UCLA, followed by a PhD in Epidemiology at Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health. Her doctoral research centered on infectious diseases and global health surveillance systems.

Professional Career and Research Focus

Dr. Rimoin has dedicated her career to the epidemiology of infectious diseases in low-resource settings, with a strong emphasis on Central Africa. She is particularly known for her research on Ebola, monkeypox, and vaccine-preventable diseases.

At UCLA’s Fielding School of Public Health, she has been a Professor of Epidemiology and founded the UCLA Center for Global and Immigrant Health. Her work combines field epidemiology, molecular biology, and policy advocacy, making her a central figure in both academic and applied global health.

Contributions to Epidemiology

1. Monkeypox Research

   • Dr. Rimoin has been one of the leading experts on monkeypox, a disease closely related to smallpox.

   • She conducted long-term surveillance studies in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), highlighting the resurgence of monkeypox after the discontinuation of smallpox vaccination.

   • Her research provided crucial data for global preparedness when monkeypox re-emerged as a global health concern in 2022.

2. Ebola and Hemorrhagic Fevers

   • During multiple Ebola outbreaks in Central Africa, she played a critical role in outbreak investigation and control strategies.

   • Her work has improved diagnostic and surveillance capacity for viral hemorrhagic fevers.

3. Vaccine Research and Immunity Studies

   • Conducted field studies in Africa to measure population immunity after the cessation of smallpox vaccination.

   • Worked on understanding the cross-protective effects of smallpox vaccine against monkeypox and other orthopoxviruses.

4. COVID-19 Expertise and Public Communication

   • During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Rimoin became a frequent media commentator and scientific advisor, translating epidemiological data into actionable insights.

   • She has contributed to discussions about vaccines, immunity, and virus transmission dynamics.

Publications and Influence

• Published extensively in leading journals including The Lancet, PNAS, Emerging Infectious Diseases, and PLOS Medicine.

• Her work is often cited in policy documents and outbreak response strategies.

• Co-authored key reports that informed WHO and CDC guidelines on monkeypox and Ebola.

Recognition and Impact

• One of the world’s foremost experts on monkeypox and its re-emergence.

• Advisor to WHO, CDC, and other international organizations on outbreak preparedness and response.

• A respected educator who trains the next generation of epidemiologists at UCLA.

• Recognized for her ability to bridge science, policy, and public communication.

Legacy

Dr. Anne Rimoin’s career embodies the intersection of academic research, field epidemiology, and policy advocacy. Her work in Central Africa has shed light on the ecology of zoonotic diseases and their threat to global health. She remains a powerful voice in shaping how the world understands and prepares for emerging infectious diseases.