Saag is a nationally recognized expert and researcher in the epidemiology of gout, osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis.

He has more than 20 years’ experience in patient-oriented clinical trials and comparative effectiveness research in musculoskeletal disorders, specifically related to osteoporosis.

Saag serves as president of the Board of Trustees of the National Osteoporosis Foundation, as well as the director of the National Institutes of Health-funded UAB Center of Research Translation, the founding director of the Agency for Healthcare, Research and Quality-funded UAB Deep South Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Center for Education and Research on Therapeutics, and the UAB Center for Outcomes and Effectiveness Research. He also directs AHRQ and NIH-supported training grants in health services, patient-centered outcomes and translational research.