Paul Romitti, University of Iowa professor of epidemiology, has been appointed to a two-year term as chair of the executive committee for the International Clearinghouse for Birth Defects Surveillance and Research (ICBDSR).

The ICBDSR, a voluntary non-profit organization affiliated with the World Health Organization, brings together birth defect surveillance and research programs from around the world with the aim of investigating and preventing birth defects and lessening the impact of their consequences. Its 42 member programs lead surveillance and research into the occurrence and causes of birth defects, while the ICBDSR and its affiliates provide services such as online continuing education for clinicians, epidemiologists, and public health professionals and guiding efforts to raise awareness about birth defects prevention and treatment.

Romitti directs the Iowa Registry for Congenital and Inherited Disorders, one of the ICBDSR member organizations. Based in the University of Iowa College of Public Health, the registry conducts active surveillance to identify information about congenital and inherited disorders that occur to Iowa residents, tracks trends in these disorders, and provides data for research studies and educational activities aimed at prevention and treatment.

“I am enthusiastic for this opportunity to help guide strategies for birth defect surveillance, research, and prevention worldwide,” says Romitti.

Additional information about the International Clearinghouse for Birth Defects Surveillance and Research is available at http://www.icbdsr.org/.

Additional information about the Iowa Registry for Congenital and Inherited Disorders.