The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) recently recognized two Arkansas doctors for their appointments to chair separate federal immunization committees. It is unusual for two doctors from the same state to chair these national committees.
Dr. Robert Hopkins, Jr., became the chair of the National Vaccine Advisory Committee for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, starting in September. He is the Professor and Director of the Division of General Internal Medicine in the College of Medicine at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS).
Dr. José R. Romero became the chair of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, starting in July. He is the Chief of Pediatric Infectious Diseases Section for Arkansas Children’s, the Director of Clinical Trials Research for Arkansas Children’s Research Institute and a Professor of Pediatrics for UAMS.
Gov. Asa Hutchinson has recognized Dr. Hopkins and Dr. Romero for their work on behalf of the state and the health of its residents. Dr. Nathaniel Smith, ADH Director and State Health Officer, met with the doctors on the Governor’s behalf.