Dr. Farley R. Cleghorn’s illustrious career spans over three decades at the forefront of global health, infectious diseases, and epidemiology. Born in Trinidad, he embarked on his medical journey at the University of the West Indies (UWI), graduating with honors and a Surgery Gold Medal in 1982. Early in his career, he delved into hematology at the Port-of-Spain General Hospital, focusing on lymphoma and leukemia, before undertaking a fellowship in retrovirology with Professor Courtenay Bartholomew during what he fondly recalls as the “golden age” of retrovirus research from 1986 to 1990.
Dr. Cleghorn’s academic pursuits continued with training in internal medicine and infectious diseases, culminating in a fellowship at the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) at the National Cancer Institute. His academic achievements were further bolstered by a Master of Public Health (MPH) in Epidemiology and Biostatistics from the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, where he was inducted into the Alpha Delta Omega honor society. His professional journey led him through significant roles at esteemed institutions such as Johns Hopkins University and the University of Maryland Medical Center/Institute of Human Virology. At the latter, he served as Assistant Professor of Epidemiology & Prevention from 1996 to 2004, fostering extensive collaborations with the Medical Research Foundation of Trinidad and Tobago and the University of the West Indies, where he also served as an external examiner.
As an internationally respected health diplomat, Dr. Cleghorn’s impact extends far beyond academia. As the Global Head of Health for 29 years until his retirement in June 2024, he led interdisciplinary teams across the U.S., Europe, Middle East, and Australia/Pacific, pioneering transformative health programs. His work spanned strategy execution consulting, international consulting, impact investment, and training, focusing on sustainable health systems, implementation science, and health promotion. Throughout his career, Dr. Cleghorn has been recognized as a thought leader and systems thinker in global health systems, population health, HIV/AIDS, infectious diseases, pathogenesis, and clinical vaccine trials. His expertise earned him numerous accolades, a nominee for the SEA Crystal award in Spain, and a winner in the Gabriella Award in Chile, including the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Global Health Research and Delivery in 2023. Beyond professional achievements, Dr. Cleghorn’s philanthropic endeavors underscore his commitment to medical education and community welfare.
His generous donation to the University of the West Indies Medical Alumni Association established an endowment for scholarships, reflecting his dedication to nurturing future medical professionals. Dr. Cleghorn’s impact on global health is also in his humanitarian efforts. He has mentored countless young health professionals and contributed significantly to global health diplomacy.
In sum, Dr. Farley R. Cleghorn’s career is a testament to the transformative power of medicine and public health, driven by a steadfast belief in the potential of healthcare to enrich lives globally. His legacy as a scholar, mentor, and advocate for equitable healthcare continues to inspire generations of healthcare professionals worldwide. As Chris LeGrand, Chief Executive Officer at BroadReach Group, who has known him for 20 years, serving alongside in Futures Group, now The Palladium, as chief technical officer, accomplishing many things together said……“More than his brilliance and professional impact, what I have come to love of Farley is his heart. Farley has a heart for humans and our human condition. Where others see only human tragedy and despair Farley sees community and possibility”
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