Dr. Zach Porterfield

Zach Porterfield, MD, PhD is an infectious disease physician-scientist, Associate Professor and Assistant Dean at the University of South Florida, where he Directs the MD PhD Program and the Human Clinical Pathogenesis and Trials for the Institute for Translational Virology and Innovation. His work focuses on the intersection of viral infections and the immune system, with particular emphasis on HIV, aging, and the mechanisms that drive chronic disease despite effective antiviral therapy. His laboratory integrates clinical research with basic science to understand how viruses persist in the body and how immune dysfunction contributes to long-term health outcomes.

Dr. Porterfield has over two decades of experience in global health, with longstanding collaborations in sub-Saharan Africa and ongoing efforts to strengthen international research partnerships and capacity. He serves as Chair of the Retrovirus Action Committee for the Global Virus Network and is actively involved in developing next-generation physician-scientists through leadership roles in medical education. His work sits at the intersection of science, medicine, and global health policy, with a focus on translating scientific discovery into meaningful improvements in human health worldwide.