June 21, 2022 - Jefferson County, AL It is with great sadness and a heavy
heart the Jefferson County Department of Health (JCDH) shares news of the
tragic passing of Ashraf Edward “Ed” Khan, M.D. Dr. Khan passed away suddenly Saturday, June 18,
2022, in a motorcycle accident. He was 56 years old. Dr. Khan worked at JCDH for
many years serving in various roles, including previously as Medical Director
of Disease Control. He served as one of JCDH’s Subject Matter Experts on
various public health issues including dozens of media appearances, community
presentations, and professional lectures. He was especially renowned for his
expertise in tuberculosis. Clinicians across the state and much of the country
sought his expertise in the care of challenging tuberculosis cases. In addition
to his work in Alabama, he had done infectious disease work in other countries
including Zambia, Cambodia, Kazakhstan, Haiti, Mozambique, Kenya, South Africa,
Guyana, and Guatemala.
Since the news of Dr. Khan’s death started reaching his
colleagues and co-workers in the public health and infectious disease
community, there has been an outpouring of grief as well as tributes and
stories of Dr. Khan’s intellectual brilliance and attention to detail as a
clinician; his kind, gentle and humble demeanor; his selflessness; and his
incredible generosity toward others. He took a personal interest in all people
he interacted with, regardless of their station in life. For patients with
particularly challenging disease or difficult social situations, he was known
to make home visits, make himself available by phone 24/7, and even buy food or
provide shelter using his own resources.
Dr. Khan was not just our co-worker, but a good friend to
many of us. The JCDH staff will miss him more than words can express. The JCDH
flag was flown at half-staff today to mourn this loss.