Willi McFarland

An advocate for integrating knowledge on surveillance in key populations with public health decision-making, Dr. Willi McFarland, MD, PhD, MPH, is a distinguished Professor of Epidemiology & Biostatistics at the University of California, San Francisco. With a robust background in epidemiology, Dr. McFarland's expertise lies in harnessing data to inform and improve public health strategies, particularly in the context of HIV/AIDS research and prevention. At UCSF, Dr. McFarland plays a pivotal role as the co-director of the NIH-sponsored Traineeship in AIDS Prevention Studies (TAPS), where he mentors emerging scholars in the field of AIDS research. His commitment to education and training extends to his position as the co-director for development at the Center for AIDS Prevention Studies (CAPS), where he focuses on fostering innovative research initiatives and collaborations. Dr. McFarland's dedication to global health is evident through his coordination of training programs for scholars from Africa and the Middle East, aiming to build capacity and enhance research skills in regions heavily impacted by HIV/AIDS. His efforts in this area underscore his commitment to addressing health disparities and promoting equitable access to healthcare resources. In addition to his academic and mentoring roles, Dr. McFarland is actively involved in enhancing case-based and behavioral surveillance for key populations in Alameda County. His work in this area has been recognized by the CFAR Awards, highlighting his contributions to advancing public health surveillance and intervention strategies. Through his multifaceted roles and research endeavors, Dr. McFarland continues to make significant strides in the field of epidemiology, with a focus on improving health outcomes for vulnerable populations. His work not only contributes to the scientific community but also has a tangible impact on public health policies and practices.