University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med) alumnus Matthew L. Boulton, ’87 M.D., MPH, FACPM, was recently honored with the prestigious 2025 American College of Preventive Medicine's (ACPM) Board of Regents Scientific Excellence Award. The Scientific Excellence Award recognizes the scientific achievements, contributions and excellence of a preventive medicine physician.

“Receiving the 2025 Scientific Excellence Award is a singular honor for me, especially given the many outstanding researchers, clinicians and academicians who are members of the College,” Dr. Boulton said. “I am deeply honored to have my research contributions recognized by the College and by my physician peers.”

Boulton serves as senior associate dean at the University of Michigan School of Public Health and holds appointments as the Pearl L. Kendrick Collegiate Professor of Global Health, professor of epidemiology and preventive medicine, professor of health management and policy, and professor of internal medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases at the University of Michigan Medical School.

Boulton’s extensive and impactful work has played a pivotal role in advancing the science of preventive medicine. He serves as editor-in-chief of the “American Journal of Preventive Medicine” and was senior editor and a contributing author for the 16th edition of “Maxcy-Rosenau-Last Public Health & Preventive Medicine,” which is considered the standard text in the field for public health physicians.

Additionally, Boulton has authored more than 200 peer-reviewed publications, with his research appearing in prestigious journals including the “New England Journal of Medicine,” “Journal of the American Medical Association,” “Proceedings of the National Academy of Science,” “Medical Clinics of North America,” “American Journal of Epidemiology,” “Pediatrics,” and “American Journal of Public Health." He has also authored over 100 published abstracts, book chapters and governmental technical reports. He serves as a member of the Centers for the Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) MMWR Editorial Board and previously served on the CDC’s Board of Scientific Counselors for Infectious Diseases.

Boulton, recipient of the UNR Med Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2018, has earned more than 40 awards at the university, state, national and international levels. As a medical student, he was honored with eight awards, including the 1987 University of Nevada School of Medicine’s Outstanding Medical School Graduate and 1985 University of Nevada School of Medicine Outstanding Basic Science Medical Student Award. He credits his early exposure to research in medical school as a pivotal influence on his career.

“My interest in clinical, epidemiological and population-level research was initially prompted through my contact with professors, like Professors Lupan and Kozel, and Dr. Ira Pauly at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, who as faculty at the School, were actively engaged in ongoing research projects,” Boulton said. “I credit that early exposure to research during medical school as a key catalyst for my pursuit of a career as a physician-epidemiologist, researcher, and academician.”

Boulton champions the integration of public health principles into medical care, recognizing their impact on improving outcomes at both individual and population levels. He encourages medical students to consider pursuing an M.D./MPH dual degree, which equips physicians with the skills to effectively address the social, behavioral and environmental issues that influence health outcomes and shape the practices of their patients and communities.

"Discussing population-level impact, upstream factors, health disparities, health equity and social needs assessment in the clinical setting is not just relevant — it's increasingly essential,” Boulton said. “Skills like motivational interviewing and connecting patients to outside resources are crucial for building the bridge between clinical practice and population-level health.”