Robert Salata, MD, FACP, FIDSAH, a prominent clinician, researcher, and educator at University Hospitals (UH) and Case Western Reserve University, has died at the age of 72. Dr. Salata's career was marked by significant contributions to the field of infectious diseases, particularly his leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic and his work on HIV/AIDS research.
Dr. Salata graduated from Case Western Reserve School of Medicine and completed his internal medicine residency at UH, later becoming Chief Resident in 1985. For nearly two decades, he served as Chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases and HIV Medicine at both UH and Case Western Reserve. He also founded the Infectious Diseases and Immunology Institute in the School of Medicine and served as Medical Director of Infection Control and Prevention at UH Cleveland Medical Center.
Contributions During the COVID-19 Pandemic
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Salata was a key leader and educator, providing guidance through media appearances and webinars. UH became the first site for the Remdesivir clinical trial, a significant early treatment for COVID-19, largely due to his renowned research. He also led the clinical trial for the Pfizer COVID-19 mRNA vaccine at UH.
Research and Global Health Initiatives
Dr. Salata authored hundreds of peer-reviewed publications, focusing on the epidemiology of infectious diseases, clinical trials for emerging infections, and HIV/AIDS. His work secured continuous funding from the National Institutes of Health. Since 1997, he was an active principal investigator in HIV/AIDS research studies with the Uganda-Case Western Reserve University Research Collaboration.
Dr. Salata collaborated with philanthropist Roe Green to establish the Case Western Reserve University and University Hospitals Roe Green Medical Education and Research Building in Kampala, Uganda. This facility serves as a central hub for research, training, and medical care, advancing global health initiatives.
Legacy of Mentorship and Recognition
UH Chief Executive Officer Cliff A. Megerian, MD, FACS, noted that Dr. Salata's lasting legacy would be the generations of physicians he inspired and mentored. He received numerous accolades, including a Department of Medicine Teacher of the Year award and the inaugural Master Clinician in Infectious Diseases at UH Cleveland Medical Center.
Dr. Salata held several distinguished positions, including the STERIS Chair of Excellence in Medicine at UH, the John H. Hord Professor and Chairman of the Department of Medicine at Case Western Reserve, and Physician-in-Chief at UH Cleveland Medical Center. He also directed the UH Roe Green Center for Travel Medicine & Global Health.
