Robert L. Atmar, M.D.
Professor, Department of Medicine and Molecular Virology & Microbiology
Education
B.S., Texas A&M University, 1978
M.D., Baylor College of Medicine, 1981
Residency
Medical Resident, Internal Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, 1982-1985
Chief Medical Resident, Internal Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, 1985
Fellowship
Fellow, Infectious Diseases, Baylor College of Medicine, 1988-1990
Board Certification
Internal Medicine, Infectious Diseases
Specialty
Infectious Diseases, Internal Medicine
Research Interest
Dr Atmar has two principal research interests. The first is in the study of respiratory viral pathogens, including their epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Many of these studies are supported by the federally funded Viral Respiratory Pathogens Research Unit and Vaccine Treatment and Evaluation Unit.
His second area of interest is in enteric viruses and environmental virology. He is involved in the development of improved methods for detection of enteric viruses (with an emphasis on noroviruses) in clinical samples, environmental samples and foodstuffs. His laboratory also is pursuing methods to evaluate the potential infectivity of norovirus RNA by adapting Norwalk virus for growth in cell culture and through the development of a reporter system that requires at least partial viral replication. The long term goal of these studies is to develop methods that can be used to study the epidemiology and transmission of these viruses, leading to improved strategies for prevention and ultimately to improved water and food safety.
Publications
View a Full List of Dr. Atmar 's Publications