Larry Schlesinger, M.D., is a distinguished physician-scientist with a decades-long career in infectious diseases, particularly tuberculosis. Over the years, he has published more than 200 research studies and contributed to books and leading medical journals. His research focuses on how the immune system—especially lung macrophages—responds to airborne infections. He has also explored how conditions like diabetes and HIV impact immune responses, translating his findings into practical tools such as drug discovery aids and disease models. A dedicated mentor, Dr. Schlesinger has trained over 170 students and researchers in his lab and has led numerous research initiatives funded by the NIH and other prestigious organizations.
Currently, Dr. Schlesinger serves as the President and CEO of the Texas Biomedical Research Institute (Texas Biomed) in San Antonio. Since taking on this role in 2017, he has overseen a significant transformation of the organization, including recruitment of new faculty, increased research funding, and modernization of facilities. Under his leadership, Texas Biomed has strengthened its focus on global health research, particularly in vaccine development and the treatment of pandemic diseases. He remains committed to growth for Texas Biomed’s research programs and community-oriented, while continuing his work as a professor and chief researcher. He also serves on several local boards and is a strong advocate for public health and science.
Dr. Schlesinger’s academic journey reflects his lifelong dedication to healthcare and science. He earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Cornell University and an M.D. from Rutgers Medical School. He completed his Internal Medicine residency at the University of Michigan and received further training in Infectious Diseases at UCLA. His academic career includes teaching and conducting research at the University of Iowa, followed by leadership roles at Ohio State University, where he established a new research department and an institute focused on microbial infections and immunity.
Celebrate Dr. Schlesinger’s impactful career at the Award for Innovation in Healthcare and Bioscience on September 9, 2025 at The Tobin Center for the Performing Arts. Visit: https://biomedsa.org/innovation-award/ for more information.
