Dr. Paul G. Auwaerter is one of the United States’ most respected infectious disease physicians, known for combining clinical mastery, mentorship, and innovative use of technology to improve patient care and medical education. As the Sherrilyn and Ken Fisher Professor of Medicine and Clinical Director of the Division of Infectious Diseases at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, he stands out for his deep expertise and his influence on both clinical practice and training the next generation of physicians.
In 2025, Dr. Auwaerter was honored with the inaugural Osler Award for Clinical Excellence at the Four Doctors Awards ceremony — a testament to his exceptional bedside care, diagnostic skill, and empathetic patient interactions. The award recognizes clinicians who embody the principles of Sir William Osler — a pioneer of modern medicine — through both patient care and education.
Dr. Auwaerter earned his M.D. from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and later completed his residency and infectious diseases fellowship at Johns Hopkins. He further expanded his leadership skills by earning an MBA from Johns Hopkins University, blending clinical insight with strategic thinking.
Clinically, Dr. Auwaerter is celebrated for his expertise in tick-borne diseases, including Lyme disease, as well as Epstein-Barr virus infections and fevers of unknown origin — complex areas where nuanced diagnosis and evidence-based treatment make a profound difference in patient outcomes.
Beyond his clinical work, Dr. Auwaerter leads the Johns Hopkins Point of Care-Information Technology (POC-IT) Center, which produces influential digital resources used by clinicians worldwide to make evidence-based decisions at the bedside. His leadership helped dramatically increase inpatient follow-up rates for infectious disease consultations at Johns Hopkins — expanding continuity of care for patients dealing with challenging infections.
Dr. Auwaerter also served as President of the Infectious Diseases Society of America, the leading professional society for infectious disease specialists, guiding national strategies during emerging infectious threats and fostering collaboration across research and public health communities.
His influence spans hundreds of publications, textbook chapters, and clinical guidelines that support physicians across the U.S. and beyond. Whether advancing tick-borne disease research or shaping point-of-care tools, Dr. Auwaerter’s work reflects a commitment to better health through evidence, compassion, and teaching.
