Jeffrey P. Koplan, MD, MPH, vice president for global health at Emory University, received an honorary degree from the University of British Columbia (UBC) at commencement ceremonies on May 22, 2019. He also delivered the commencement address to UBC graduate and postdoctoral students in medicine. 

Koplan received an honorary Doctor of Science degree in recognition of his contributions to public health education and research, especially for his work with chronic and infectious diseases. He was recommended by the Vancouver Senate to receive the doctoral degree.

A former director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Koplan has focused on numerous major public health issues, including smallpox, SARS, pandemic influenza and HIV/AIDS. His work has also encompassed chronic disease prevention, including tobacco use as a determinant of cardiovascular diseases.

Koplan is a graduate of Yale University, the Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, and the Harvard School of Public Health.

Koplan currently serves as vice president for global health at Emory University, and as principal investigator for the Emory Global Health Institute on the China Tobacco Control Partnership. He is a trustee of the China Medical Board, and is an honorary professor and honorary advisor at the China CDC.