PIDS Honors Dr. Walter Orenstein with the 2025 Walter T. Hughes Distinguished Physician Award

The award is given in recognition of a pediatrician with a distinguished career in pediatric infectious diseases marked by significant contributions in infectious diseases

Walter Orenstein, MD, FPIDS, an influential figure in public health and immunization efforts, including policy and hesitancy, is the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society (PIDS) 2025 Walter T. Hughes Distinguished Physician Award honoree. This is the fourth year the award has been bestowed under the name of the first PIDS president, Walter T. Hughes, and recognizes a pediatrician with a distinguished career in pediatric infectious diseases that is marked by significant contributions to the field. Similar to Dr. Hughes before him, Dr. Orenstein has been a prominent leader across pediatric organizations, and has made significant contributions to the fight against vaccine-preventable diseases in children.

The award is presented during the Opening Plenary of IDWeek (October 19-22), the premier scientific meeting for infectious diseases professionals, in Atlanta, GA. Additional society awards and recognitions are to be presented on Tuesday evening of IDWeek at the PIDS Foundation Annual Dinner and at the PIDS Membership Meeting on Wednesday afternoon.

Dr. Orenstein is Associate Director of the Emory Vaccine Center, Director of Emory Vaccine Policy and Development, and Professor Emeritus of Medicine, Pediatrics, Epidemiology, and Global Health at Emory University. His illustrious career includes the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS), Director of the U.S. Immunization Program and Assistant Surgeon General of the U.S. Public Health Service, Deputy Director for Immunization Programs at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and positions with Emory University. In addition to his field work in immunization, Dr. Orenstein is co-editor of the “Vaccines” textbook, sharing his extensive knowledge with future practitioners.

“Dr. Walter Orenstein is richly deserving of the Hughes Award,” said PIDS president Bill Steinbach, MD, FPIDS. “His contributions in smallpox and measles eradication helped shift our focus from controlling outbreaks to preventing them. It’s also important to note in this moment, his devotion to protecting all children from vaccine-preventable diseases was integral to the implementation of school mandates and the Vaccines for Children program. We are fortunate to share our field with this prominent figure, dedicated pediatrician, and compassionate public health innovator, Dr. Walter Orenstein, our 2025 Walter T. Hughes Distinguished Physician Award winner.”

Dr. Orenstein has made a profound impact on pediatrics, infectious diseases, and public health.

His immense body of groundbreaking work has changed how immunizations are managed and children protected from childhood into adulthood. The staggering scope of his decades of work in public health is beyond parallel. He is a singular figure in the world of pediatric infectious diseases.

Dr. Orenstein earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. He furthered his pediatrics education at Montefiore Hospital of his hometown Bronx, New York, and completed his pediatric and infectious diseases training at the University of California.

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About PIDS

PIDS membership encompasses leaders across the global scientific and public health spectrum, including clinical care, advocacy, academics, government, and the pharmaceutical industry. From fellowship training to continuing medical education, research, regulatory issues and guideline development, PIDS members are the core professionals advocating for the improved health of children with infectious diseases both nationally and around the world, participating in critical public health and medical professional advisory committees that determine the treatment and prevention of infectious diseases, immunization practices in children, and the education of pediatricians. For more information, visit http://www.pids.org.