Mary Elizabeth Guinan is an American doctor specializing in public health, virology, and epidemiology. She was the dean at the School of Community Health Sciences at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Guinan is known for her work in the initial investigation of the HIV/AIDS epidemic for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Randy Shilts's 1987 book And the Band Played On and its 1993 film adaptation documented her efforts regarding these issues. In the film, she was played by Glenne Headly. Later on, she became the first female State Health Officer appointed to the Nevada government. Guinan also became president of the American Medical Woman's Association, after 40 years of membership.