Trudy Larson, M.D., a third-generation Nevadan, was born in Reno and returned to establish a medical practice in Pediatrics and Infectious Disease after studying in California. She began her career as an assistant professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Nevada School of Medicine, focusing on HIV/AIDS and immunizations. Over her 27-year tenure, she became a professor, department chair, and associate dean. Dr. Larson treated HIV/AIDS patients at HOPES, directed the immunization program at the Washoe County Health Department, and contributed to numerous organizations.
In 2011, Dr. Larson was appointed Professor and Director of the School of Community Health Sciences at UNR. She became the founding Dean when the school gained independence and led it to become an accredited School of Public Health in 2021. She continued as medical director for Washoe County's Immunization program during the early COVID-19 pandemic.
Currently, Dr. Larson chairs the Nevada Donor Network Board, is a board member at Northern Nevada HOPES, served on the Governor’s Medical Advisory Team for COVID-19, and was appointed to the State Board of Health in June 2021. She was honored with the UNR Outreach Faculty award for her contributions to the university and state. Dr. Larson earned her medical degree from the University of California, Irvine, completed a Pediatric residency at UC Davis Medical Center, and a fellowship in pediatric infectious disease at UCLA, serving at the University from 1984 until her retirement in July 2021.
