Kelen, Gabor D., M.D., FRCP(C), FACEP, FAAEM

Gabor D. Kelen, M.D., FACEP, FAAEM, FRCP(C) Professor and Chair, Department of Emergency Medicine Director, Johns Hopkins Office of Critical Event Preparedness and Response (CEPAR) Director, Center for the Study of Preparedness and Catastrophic Event Response (PACER) Contact Dr. Kelen >

Education
University of Toronto (M.D., 1979)

Residency
Johns Hopkins University, EM (1984)

Dr. Kelen joined the faculty of The Johns Hopkins University Department of Emergency Medicine in 1984 as Director of Research and the Program Director of the Emergency Medicine Residency Program.  Dr. Kelen became world renown for developing novel methods to study HIV and other blood borne pathogens.  His research in this area helped define the extent of the HIV epidemic , led to the adoption of universal precautions, and ushered in the era of HIV testing and counseling programs in ED settings.

In 1993, he became the first professor and chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine.  Dr. Kelen was appointed the Director of the Johns Hopkins Office of Critical Event Preparedness and Response (CEPAR) in 2002, an enterprise-wide entity created to oversee the Institutions endeavors in preparing for, and responding to, a high impact disaster, particularly from potential terrorist action.  In November 2005, Dr. Kelen and his team were awarded a grant from the Department of Homeland Security to lead a consortium studying how the nation can best prepare for and respond to potential large-scale incidents and disasters.  This fifth Homeland Security Center of Excellence formally titled the National Center for the Study of Preparedness and Catastrophic Event Response (PACER), studies deterrence, prevention, preparedness and response, including issues such as risk assessment, decision-making, infrastructure integrity, surge capacity and sensor networks.

Dr. Kelen has served in numerous senior administrative positions, including as Chair of the Medical Board of the Johns Hopkins Hospital, a member of the Board of Trustees of Johns Hopkins Medicine (ex officio) the Past President of the Association of Academic Chairs of Emergency Medicine, the Past President of the Society of Teachers of Emergency Medicine.

Dr. Kelen has more than 170 publications.  His research has been recognized through numerous awards including the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine's Hal Jayne Academic Excellence Award and Leadership Award, the American College of Emergency Physicians’ Outstanding Contribution to Research Award, and the Emergency Medicine Foundation Center of Excellence Award. 

In recognition of his contributions, Dr. Kelen was elected to the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies of Science in 2005.

View Dr. Kelen's Current Research Interests & Publications >