Dr. Peter Salama, an exceptional global health leader,father, husband, and good friend, died unexpectedly onJanuary 23, 2020, at 51 years of age. Pete, as he wascalled affectionately by many colleagues and friends, wasa unique leader. He spoke with a quiet but authoritativevoice, and everyone somehow knew intuitively to listenattentively, for Pete always had insightful, thoughtful andstrategic remarks. He made things happen; big things.Pete was an Australian doctor with a unique combinationof intellect, experience, drive, and humanity. In hisearly years, he worked with the non-governmental organizationsMédecins Sans Frontières and Concern Worldwidein several countries in Asia and sub-SaharanAfrica. He then obtained a Master of Public Health atHarvard University. Later, he completed the respectedEpidemic Intelligence Service program at the US Centersfor Disease Control and Prevention, where he worked inthe International Emergency and Refugee Health Branch.And that is where I first met him in 1998. It was clear toeveryone, even then, that Pete was someone special. Hedidn’t simply accept the standard way work was done;he was going to do something important that would helpalleviate people affected by conflict and misfortune. Andthat he certainly did.
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