Dr. Muhammad Ashraf Appointed to CDC’s HICPAC, Aiming to Enhance Infection Control

TL/DR –

Muhammad Salman Ashraf, MBBS, associate professor in the UNMC Division of Infectious Diseases, has been appointed to the Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, serving until June 30, 2028. Dr. Ashraf’s role will involve the development of guidelines, policy statements, and surveillance methods for preventing healthcare-associated infections and antimicrobial resistance in US healthcare facilities. Prior to this role, Dr. Ashraf served as the medical director for Nebraska Infection Control Assessment and Promotion (ICAP) program and the Nebraska Antimicrobial Stewardship Assessment and Promotion Program (ASAP), contributing significantly in the prevention and containment of Covid-19 outbreaks across Nebraska.

UNMC Professor Joins CDC Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee

Associate professor of the UNMC Division of Infectious Diseases, Muhammad Salman Ashraf, MBBS, has joined the Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. His term starts immediately and extends until June 30, 2028.

Dr. Ashraf is delighted to represent UNMC at a national level. He is passionate about controlling and preventing healthcare-associated infections and is dedicated to helping Nebraska healthcare facilities enhance their infection prevention control and antimicrobial stewardship programs. His role on the committee will influence infection control practices, prevention strategies, and surveillance methods across U.S. healthcare facilities.

UNMC Department of Internal Medicine’s interim chair, Mark Rupp, MD, believes that Dr. Ashraf’s appointment is a salute to his professional expertise and national renown. The HICPAC is a significant federal advisory committee offering advice to both HHS and CDC regarding prevention and surveillance of healthcare-associated infections.

Dr. David K. Warren, MD, chief of the UNMC Division of Infectious Diseases, asserts that Dr. Ashraf’s selection is a testament to his skillset and his contributions in Nebraska to safeguard patients and healthcare personnel.

Since joining UNMC in 2016, Dr. Ashraf has made significant contributions. As the medical director for the Nebraska Infection Control Assessment and Promotion Program, he has developed numerous tools, templates, and guidelines. He has also assisted healthcare facilities in strengthening their antimicrobial stewardship programs.

In January 2022, Dr. Ashraf undertook a new role as the medical director for Nebraska DHHS Healthcare-Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance (HAI/AR) Program. Under his leadership, the HAI/AR program is aiding Nebraska healthcare facilities to deliver high-quality, safe medical care.

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