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Richard D. Pearson, M.D., F.A.C.P., is Harrison Distinguished Teaching Professor of Medicine and Pathology in the Departments of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, and Pathology. In addition to his clinical responsibilities, he has published chapters and papers on clinical aspects of parasitic and other infectious diseases.  He is associate dean for student affairs in the School of Medicine, and he regularly teaches medical students, residents and fellows.

In the research arena, Dr. Pearson has collaborated with colleagues in Brazil and the United States on studies of the epidemiology, immunology, genetics, clinical manifestations and treatment of cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis. Their recent efforts have focused on the historical factors associated with the emergence of cutaneous leishmaniasis due to Leishmania braziliensis in northeastern Brazil (Emerging Infectious Diseases. 2009:15; 916-21); the treatment L. braziliensis (Clinical Infestious Diseases, 2011;53:693-5), the genetic determinants of human visceral leishmaniasis (Annals of Human Genetics 2009;73:304-313); the role of humans as a reservoir for leishmania infections; and the emergence of visceral leishmaniasis as a secondary disease in persons with concurrent HIV/AIDS in Latin America (Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 2011;105:298-300).

In addition to his academic work, Dr. Pearson most enjoys spending time with his family, relating to members of his community, church and running.