The National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) will celebrate 3 outstanding public health heroes who have made significant and lasting contributions to public health at the 2025 NFID Annual Awards Gala and Silent Auction, a black-tie fundraising event on October 16, 2025, in Washington, DC. This is the second in a 3-part series profiling the inspirational work of the 2025 awardees.

2025 John P. Utz Leadership Award

Patricia N. Whitley-Williams, MD, a nationally recognized leader in pediatric infectious diseases, will receive the 2025 John P. Utz Leadership Award in recognition of her longstanding service to NFID and her leadership and unwavering commitment to advancing health equity and improving health outcomes for all. As a past president of NFID and recently retired chair of the Department of Pediatrics at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, she has dedicated her career to improving the lives of children and families through science, education, and advocacy.

When she began her career, pediatric infectious diseases was an emerging specialty and children were still suffering from now-preventable diseases. It was the beginning of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, when many people were dying in the prime of life, not only young adults but also infants and children. But new diagnostic tests and expanding knowledge of HIV transmission and prevention led to a remarkable transformation.

She served on the safety and monitoring board for a large clinical trial that was terminated early because of significant reduction in mother-to-child transmission in the treated group. “This was a remarkable discovery,” she says, noting that it dramatically decreased the number of US babies born infected with HIV each year. She credits the thousands of unnamed patients who participated in clinical trials (many of whom were from communities of color) for making a personal contribution to science and helping to save millions of lives.

During a pivotal experience in rural South Africa, she witnessed both the devastating toll of the HIV/AIDS epidemic and the profound hope brought by the introduction of lifesaving therapies. With support from global partners and the dedication of local nurses and community health workers, prevention and treatment efforts began to transform lives in one of the hardest-hit districts. The resilience of the community and the power of collaboration left an enduring impact on her. “It was a mixture of dire despair and yet surmountable hope,” she says, reinforcing her belief that progress is possible.

When asked about the greatest challenges of her career, she cites the rise of vaccine hesitancy, which intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic and was especially evident among communities of color. Misinformation, distrust, and systemic inequities have all played a role, she says, but adds that this moment underscores the urgent need for culturally competent care, stronger communication, and a more diverse healthcare workforce. By advancing education, building trust, and empowering future health professionals, she believes the public health community can address hesitancy and ensure that vaccines continue to protect the health of all communities.

While chair of pediatrics at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and medical director of the Bristol-Myers Squibb Children’s Hospital, Whitley-Williams led a dedicated team during a time of growth and she established programs that continue to shape pediatric care and research, from launching the first Pediatric Trauma Center and Genetic Counselor Program in New Jersey to expanding research, training, and specialty care that benefit children and families statewide.

Looking back on her career, she has no regrets. “I love pediatrics and infectious diseases. I am honored and deeply humbled to have had a profession that allowed me to learn from my patients and their families and to advocate for improving their health and their overall lives.”

She offers this advice to the next generation: “The specialty of pediatric infectious diseases is so rewarding and offers so many different paths … Our work to make the lives of all people as healthy as possible and free from bias is never done.”

Favorite quote from Maya Angelou:

The truth is, no one of us can be free until everybody is free.

Join NFID to Honor Patricia N. Whitley-Williams, MD

The 2025 NFID Annual Awards Gala and Silent Auction honors inspirational public health heroes who have helped protect the lives of millions. Join us to celebrate 3 outstanding individuals and support the important work of NFID at the fundraising gala on October 16, 2025, at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, DC.

Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available online at www.nfid.org/2025Gala.

All contributions support the NFID vision of healthier lives for all through the effective prevention and treatment of infectious diseases.

For additional perspectives from Patricia N. Whitley-Williams, MD, listen to the NFID Infectious IDeas podcast episode, Health Disparities and Vaccine Hesitancy:

To join the conversation and get the latest news on infectious diseases: