Dr. Margarita Elsa Villarino, MD, MPH

Dr. Margarita Elsa Villarino brings more than four decades of experience as a physician‑epidemiologist to the Center, spanning global tuberculosis research, cross‑border health collaboration, and public health leadership. A graduate of the Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Tijuana (M.D.) and San Diego State University (M.P.H., Epidemiology and Biostatistics), Dr. Villarino trained in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Epidemic Intelligence Service and completed her preventive medicine residency at the CDC’s National Center for Infectious Diseases in Atlanta.

During her career at the CDC, Dr. Villarino directed from its inception the Tuberculosis Trials Consortium — the principal federally funded global clinical trial network for new tuberculosis treatments — and authored 78 peer‑reviewed publications that have shaped U.S. and international public health policy. During her six‑year assignment in Mexico City (2013-2019) as the CDC-Mexico’s Secretariat of Health liaison, she led the development and institutionalization of the U.S. Mexico Binational Technical Working Group (BTWG), which continues to serve as the primary mechanism for cross‑border public health coordination between the two countries. She is currently a Professor of Practice in UCSD’s Global Health Programs, where she integrates academic instruction with applied public health practice.

At the Center, Dr. Villarino contributes to our Public Health & Biosecurity program, drawing on her extensive experience in cross‑border health diplomacy, epidemic response, and binational public health governance. She mentors fellows and helps develop community‑centered strategies that strengthen public health capacity and advance population health across the Pacific Hemisphere.