Dr. Richard J. Whitley is a globally recognized leader in pediatric infectious diseases and virology, holding the distinguished position of Loeb Eminent Scholar Chair in Pediatrics at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He serves as Distinguished Professor of Pediatrics, Microbiology, Medicine, and Neurosurgery, and co-directs the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases while also serving as Vice Chair for Research for the Department of Pediatrics. After completing his medical education at George Washington University School of Medicine, Dr. Whitley pursued residency and fellowship training at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, establishing his academic home that would become the foundation for his pioneering career. His leadership extends to the Comprehensive Cancer Center where he serves as Associate Director for Drug Discovery and Development, demonstrating the breadth of his scientific influence across medical disciplines.
Dr. Whitley's groundbreaking research has fundamentally transformed the field of antiviral therapy, most notably through his pioneering work on herpes antivirals and the development of vidarabine as the first-generation antiviral drug. His meticulous research established the scientific foundation for antiviral treatment protocols that have saved countless lives, overcoming significant ethical challenges in diagnostic methodology during the early stages of antiviral development. During the global COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Whitley served as principal investigator for the National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases grant studying remdesivir, which became the first FDA-approved drug for treating hospitalized COVID-19 patients. His expertise in clinical virology and antiviral mechanisms has directly influenced treatment guidelines for influenza antiviral therapy in infants and established evidence-based protocols for emergency use of antiviral medications in critical situations.
As a respected leader in infectious disease research, Dr. Whitley previously served as President of the Infectious Diseases Society of America in 2010, representing more than 9,000 healthcare professionals worldwide and shaping the strategic direction of the field. His collaborative approach has fostered numerous partnerships, including productive research alliances with colleagues across multiple disciplines to better understand viral latency and neurovirulence mechanisms. Dr. Whitley continues to influence the next generation of physicians and researchers through his mentorship and leadership roles at UAB, where he remains actively engaged in evaluating the safety and effectiveness of coronavirus vaccines and developing new antiviral strategies. His enduring commitment to advancing clinical virology and improving patient outcomes positions him as a continuing force in addressing current and future viral threats to global health.
