Dr. Lakshmi Panagiotakopoulos: A Distinguished Pediatric Infectious Diseases Physician and Public Health Advocate
In the field of pediatric infectious diseases and public health, few names have drawn as much respect in recent years as Dr. Lakshmi Panagiotakopoulos. With an impressive career that spans clinical practice, academic teaching, and government service, she has become a trusted voice in vaccinology and infectious disease research. Her journey reflects not only academic excellence but also a deep commitment to protecting vulnerable populations through evidence-based medicine.
Early Education and Academic Foundation
Undergraduate Studies at Binghamton University
Dr. Panagiotakopoulos began her academic journey at Binghamton University, where she pursued a Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature with a focus on Italian. This unusual combination of humanities and language studies provided her with strong communication skills and a global perspective, qualities that would later prove valuable in her medical and public health career.
Medical and Public Health Training at Stony Brook University
Her transition into medicine came at Stony Brook University, where she simultaneously completed a Doctor of Medicine (MD) and a Master of Public Health (MPH) between 2005 and 2009. The dual training reflects her dual passions: clinical medicine and population-level health strategies. This blend of medical knowledge and public health insight shaped her professional outlook and prepared her for a career dedicated to preventing and managing infectious diseases.
Clinical Training and Residency
Jacobi Medical Center: Foundation in Pediatrics
Following medical school, Dr. Panagiotakopoulos pursued a residency in pediatrics at Jacobi Medical Center in the Bronx, New York, from 2009 to 2012. Jacobi, known for serving a diverse and underserved community, exposed her to a wide range of pediatric health challenges. This experience deepened her empathy for vulnerable populations and strengthened her resolve to pursue a career in pediatric infectious diseases.
Fellowship in Pediatric Infectious Diseases at Emory University
From 2012 to 2015, she continued her training at Emory University School of Medicine, completing a fellowship in Pediatric Infectious Diseases. This specialized program gave her the opportunity to combine hands-on clinical work with cutting-edge research, particularly in the areas of vaccine development, safety, and infectious disease prevention.
Research and Professional Experience
Vaccine Safety Fellowship at the CDC
During her fellowship years, Dr. Panagiotakopoulos also became a Vaccine Safety Fellow under the NIH T32 Vaccinology Training Program at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). From 2013 to 2015, she honed her expertise in vaccine science, safety monitoring, and epidemiology. Her work contributed to national efforts in evaluating vaccine effectiveness and ensuring the safety of immunization programs.
Physician at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
In September 2015, she officially joined the CDC as a Physician, where she served for nearly a decade until June 2025. Her role was pivotal in shaping vaccine policy, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. She became a co-leader of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) COVID-19 vaccine workgroup, a position that placed her at the heart of decision-making around vaccine recommendations for the U.S. population.
Academic Role at Emory University School of Medicine
Alongside her federal service, Dr. Panagiotakopoulos was appointed as an Adjunct Professor at Emory University School of Medicine in September 2015. For more than 10 years, she has shared her knowledge with medical students, residents, and fellows, ensuring that future generations of physicians are well-equipped to handle the complexities of infectious diseases. Her dual role as a government physician and academic professor allowed her to bridge practice and theory, bringing real-world experience into the classroom.
Commitment to Pediatric Infectious Diseases
Focus on Vulnerable Populations
At the core of Dr. Panagiotakopoulos’s work has been a commitment to children and other vulnerable groups. As a pediatric infectious diseases physician, she focused on preventing life-threatening illnesses through vaccination and public health strategies. Her dedication reflects not only a career path but a personal mission to protect those most at risk from preventable diseases.
Expertise in Vaccinology and Epidemiology
Her career consistently highlights a dual emphasis: clinical pediatrics and population-level epidemiology. By integrating these perspectives, she helped shape vaccine safety policies, ensuring that medical decisions were backed by strong data while keeping the patient’s well-being at the center.
Resignation from the CDC in June 2025
Policy Disagreement and Ethical Decision
In June 2025, Dr. Panagiotakopoulos made headlines when she resigned from her position at the CDC. Her departure followed controversial federal decisions to alter vaccine recommendations for healthy children and pregnant women without the usual advisory process.
She explained that she could no longer fulfill her mission to advocate for the most vulnerable populations under those conditions. While she characterized the move as a personal decision, it underscored her professional integrity and commitment to public health values.
Impact on Public Health Discourse
Her resignation brought attention to the importance of transparent, evidence-based decision-making in public health. It also highlighted the challenges faced by scientists and physicians working within government structures during politically sensitive times. Her decision resonated with colleagues in medicine and public health, many of whom praised her courage in standing by her principles.
Legacy and Continuing Influence
Educator and Mentor
Through her ongoing role at Emory University, Dr. Panagiotakopoulos continues to influence the next generation of physicians. Her teaching blends rigorous science with an emphasis on ethics, communication, and advocacy for vulnerable patients.
Advocate for Science-Based Policy
Even after leaving the CDC, her voice remains influential in debates about vaccine policy and pediatric health. As a respected expert, she is likely to continue contributing to research, education, and public discourse around infectious diseases.
Conclusion
Dr. Lakshmi Panagiotakopoulos stands as a remarkable figure in pediatric infectious diseases, blending clinical expertise with public health advocacy. From her early studies at Binghamton and Stony Brook Universities to her clinical training at Jacobi Medical Center and Emory University, her journey has been defined by academic rigor and compassion. Her nearly decade-long career at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention placed her at the forefront of vaccine safety during one of the most challenging times in modern public health.
Her resignation in June 2025 was not just a career decision but a statement of principle, reflecting her commitment to evidence-based medicine and protection of vulnerable populations. Today, as an educator, physician, and advocate, she continues to inspire the medical community and the public with her dedication, integrity, and vision for a healthier future.
