Davis selected as Delta Omega’s 2026 National Honorary Member

For decades, Barry R. Davis, MD, PhD, professor emeritus at UTHealth Houston School of Public Health, has helped shape the scientific foundations of cardiovascular disease prevention through landmark clinical trials, biostatistical research, and leadership in preventive medicine.

In recognition of his contributions, Davis was inducted as Delta Omega’s 2026 National Honorary Member on Oct. 8 and formally recognized during the American Public Health Association’s Annual Meeting in San Antonio, TX, on Nov. 2.

Delta Omega, the national honorary society for public health, awards honorary membership to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the field and achieved national or international distinction. The society has more than 130 chapters and over 30,000 members. Previous Honorary Members include former NIH Director Anthony Fauci, MD; former U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, MD; and former CDC Directors Mandy Cohen, MD, MPH, and Richard Besser, MD.

“I am deeply honored by this recognition, particularly because it acknowledges both the scientific work of preventing disease and the importance of bringing that science to the public. Prevention has been the central theme of my career, and I am grateful to the many colleagues and collaborators who have contributed to that work,” Davis shared.

Davis was recognized for his leadership in landmark cardiovascular clinical trials, his expertise in biostatistics, and his commitment to advancing the science of preventive medicine. He held leadership roles in major trials including the Antihypertensive and Lipid-Lowering Treatment to Prevent Heart Attack Trial (ALLHAT) and the Systolic Hypertension in the Elderly Program (SHEP). His work has helped strengthen the evidence base for preventing cardiovascular disease and guiding clinical care.

Beyond his scientific contributions, Delta Omega highlighted Davis for his public advocacy through his book, The Preventioneers: Diseases, Disasters, and the Discoveries That Changed Our World, published by Johns Hopkins University Press earlier this year. The book tells the stories of the people and discoveries that transformed disease prevention, highlighting the often-unrecognized individuals whose work has saved countless lives.

For Davis, the honor also carries a connection between his book and public health history.

Sara Josephine Baker, MD, a pioneering New York City physician whose work is featured in The Preventioneers, was among Delta Omega’s first honorary members in 1924. Now, 102 years later, Davis joins Baker as an honorary member of the society, connecting their shared commitment to advancing public health and the power of prevention across generations. 

Davis has authored more than 350 publications in statistical, medical, and public health journals. He has held leadership positions with the Society for Clinical Trials and the American Statistical Association and is a fellow of several leading scientific and public health organizations. His induction recognizes a career of scientific discovery, collaboration, and public advocacy devoted to improving health through prevention.