Ostrosky wins excellence in clinical mycology award

Luis Ostrosky, MD, professor and Memorial Hermann Chair in the Department of Internal Medicine at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston, received one of his field’s highest honors, the Billy H. Cooper Award, for his decades of contributions to clinical mycology.

“Being awarded the Billy H. Cooper Award by the Medical Mycology Society of the Americas, one of the most prestigious societies in the field of medical mycology, is both humbling and a great recognition of the almost three decades of work in the field,” Ostrosky said.

The award is presented for continuous outstanding achievements in clinical mycology. It recognizes Ostrosky’s work in the development of new antifungals, new fungal diagnostics, descriptions of epidemiological trends for fungal infections, and in the recognition and management of international fungal outbreaks.

“Dr. Ostrosky’s extensive involvement in the Mycoses Study Group Education and Research Consortium, his leadership in drafting global therapeutic standards, and his dedication to antimicrobial stewardship and hospital epidemiology represent a direct and profound impact on patient care and the professional practice of medical mycology,” said Luis R. Martinez, PhD, MBA, chair of the Medical Mycology Society of the Americas. “His career epitomizes the integration of clinical excellence and institutional service that this award seeks to recognize.”

Ostrosky is chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases and vice chair of medicine for healthcare quality at McGovern Medical School. He also serves as chief epidemiology officer for Memorial Hermann Health system. He is a fellow of the American College of Physicians, the Infectious Diseases Society of America, the Society of Healthcare Epidemiology of America, and the Academy of the European Confederation of Medical Mycology.

“I’m honored to be part of a shortlist of previous recipients who have helped shape medical mycology as the high-impact discipline it is today,” Ostrosky said. “I have been very fortunate to have had great mentors and collaborators who have shaped my career, and my immediate thought was gratitude to all of them.