Meet the 2026 Awardee: Sara Auld, MD, MSc, ATSF
Sara Auld, MD, MSc, ATSF is an Associate Professor of Medicine, Epidemiology, and Global Health at Emory University. Dr. Auld earned her medical degree from Columbia University’s College of Physicians and Surgeons before completing her residency at Massachusetts General Hospital. She then worked at the US CDC as an Epidemic Intelligence Service Officer in the International TB Branch before completing her fellowship in pulmonary and critical care medicine at Emory, where she also completed a Master of Science in Clinical Research.
As a clinician-scientist, Dr. Auld conducts NIH-funded clinical and translational studies focused on the intersections between TB, HIV, and lung health and has led work on "post-tuberculosis lung disease," investigating the long-term respiratory sequelae that affect patients even after successful cure. Her work addresses the critical reality that for many, a microbiological cure is only the beginning of a lifelong journey with chronic respiratory symptoms and functional impairment. She helped to develop a recently published research case definition for post-TB lung disease, with the goal of bringing rigor and consistency to research worldwide. In addition, she has held leadership roles for the biennial International Post-TB Symposia and will co-chair the next Symposium, which will be held in Seoul in April 2027. These Symposia provide a critical venue for global advocacy around post-TB sequelae, seeking to integrate long-term respiratory care into global TB strategies to improve the quality of life for millions of survivors.
In addition to her clinical work in the medical ICU and pulmonary consult services, Dr. Auld serves as a dedicated mentor to students and trainees, supporting the next generation of physician-scientists.
Description
This award is given to a PI-TB member with a clear commitment to PI-TB and ATS, advancing their missions, and with a contribution(s) to the PI-TB Assembly and/or ATS in the area(s) of research, clinical care, teaching or service (may include leadership).
Criteria
- Late Assistant or Associate Professor, or equivalent
- Between 10 and 20 years from having completed postdoctoral or clinical training, excluding time off for personal circumstances.
- PI-TB Assembly Member (primary or secondary)
- Contribution(s) to the PI-TB Assembly in basic science, translational science, epidemiology, public health and/or “bedside to the community” (implementation) research, clinical care, teaching, or service, frequently including evidence of leadership.
Submission
- Nomination letter from sponsor(s) (2-page limit)
- Updated candidate CV