Global Programs Board Chair George Rutherford, MD retires

George Rutherford, MD

George Rutherford, professor of Epidemiology and Biostatistics and director of the Prevention and Public Health Group, has been with UCSF since 1987 and has extensively researched the epidemiology and prevention of infectious and tropical diseases, focusing primarily on HIV and AIDS. His work has been funded mainly by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention through the Presidential Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief.

In 2021, Chancellor Hawgood appointed Rutherford as acting executive director of IGHS during Jaime Sepúlveda's sabbatical. During this time, Rutherford became UCSF’s key spokesperson on the COVID-19 pandemic, providing updates at weekly town halls with the Chancellor. In 2023, he served again as interim executive director when Sepúlveda stepped down from the role.

Rutherford will continue his research with some UCSF projects and maintain several of his consultancies. He will also remain as Chair of the Global Programs Board.

Dr. George Rutherford and Dr. Kinagwi meet Kenya's Minister of Health

Koki Kinagwi, Susan Nakhumicha Wafula, and George Rutherford

Kenya Minister of Health Cabinet Secretary (and former Global Programs Kenya Procurement Manager) Susan Nakhumicha Wafula hosted a meeting with Global Programs Board Chair George Rutherford and Global Programs Kenya Country Director Koki Kinagwi to discuss critical areas of disease surveillance, pandemic preparedness, and data management. They explored opportunities to expand collaboration in key areas, supporting Kenya's strategic shift from curative to promotive and preventive healthcare. 

Existing partnerships with UCSF include initiatives in surveillance and epidemiology for HIV Epidemic Control, improvement of interoperable Health Information Systems for HIV/AIDS and TB control, and collaborative research with KEMRI.