Suresh Boppana, M.D., professor in the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, will assume the role of interim co-director of the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, effective Oct. 1, 2025.

Boppana will succeed David Kimberlin, M.D., distinguished professor in the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, who has assumed the role of vice president for Clinical Trial Operations at UAB. Boppana will serve in this role with Co-Director of the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases Richard Whitley, M.D.

“Dr. Boppana has been a steady strength in the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and the department,” said Yung Lau, M.D., professor and chair in the Department of Pediatrics. “I know he will provide outstanding leadership and continue the division’s tradition of excellence.”

Boppana first joined UAB as a fellow training in pediatric infectious diseases in 1990 and was appointed assistant professor in 1993 following graduation. He continued at UAB and was appointed to professor in 2006.

Prior to being appointed interim division co-director, Boppana served in several leadership positions including program director for the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Fellowship Program, and co-medical director for the Antimicrobial Stewardship Program at Children’s of Alabama. He serves on several national and international committees including NIH study section and Heersink School of Medicine Faculty Council and is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Infectious Diseases Society of America and Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society. Additionally, he is the current associate chief editor of the Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal and member of the Board of Directors for the National CMV Foundation.

A highly regarded leader in pediatric infectious diseases and virology, his primary research focuses on pathogenesis of maternal and congenital Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, predictors of adverse outcome in congenital CMV infection, CMV-associated hearing loss and virologic and immunologic characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children.

Boppana has authored or co-authored more than 140 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters and has served as the principal investigator or co-investigator on more than 50 grants. He has also mentored over 30 post-doctoral fellows and junior faculty, contributing meaningfully to the future of academic medicine.

“I am greatly honored and humbled to be interim co-director of this storied division,” said Boppana. “I hope to continue to support the outstanding work of the faculty and staff during the current challenging funding environment, and promote cohesion, collaboration, and common goals for the division.”