Laura Evans appointed executive director of National Special Pathogen System

Dr. Laura Evans, professor (Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine) has been appointed executive director of the National Special Pathogen System (NSPS).

The NSPS is a federally directed, tiered framework that coordinates special pathogen care across the United States. As the Coordinating Body for the NSPS, National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center (NETEC) brings together health care systems, public health partners, and emergency services to develop key capabilities that safeguard communities and protect health care workers against high-consequence infectious diseases (HCIDs).

She steps into this role at a transformative time for NSPS, marked by the recent addition of 54 Level 2 Special Pathogen Treatment Centers (SPTCs), significantly enhancing the nation’s ability to respond to emerging infectious diseases and special pathogen threats.

“I am honored to take on this role at such a critical time for NETEC and the NSPS,” she said. “The opportunity to lead efforts in advancing the national infrastructure for special pathogen preparedness and patient care is a responsibility I take to heart. I look forward to working with our partners and stakeholders to continue strengthening our response capabilities and the NSPS as a vital part of our nation’s health security strategy.”