News & Updates
Pleased to join the Forum on Medical and Public Health Preparedness for Disasters and Emergencies at the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, which provides an inclusive venue to identify and elevate critical issues in medical and public health emergency preparedness and response proactively—with a focus on bridging the gaps between research, policy, and practice.
Truly an honor to work alongside such a talented group of biosecurity advisors on the National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity (NSABB). Read the draft report we went over during this meeting here.
On CNN, my latest "I'm an epidemiologist, and my daughter's RSV case shook me": My 2-year-old daughter, Laila, recently came down with the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a common and highly contagious virus, and required trips to our local urgent care clinic, our pediatrician's office and the emergency department – all within the span of five days.
She currently serves as the Senior Director of the System-wide Special Pathogens Program at New York City Health + Hospitals, the nation's largest municipal healthcare delivery system overseeing special pathogen preparedness and response efforts across the enterprise. She is Co-Principal Investigator of NYC Health + Hospitals Institute of Diseases and Disaster Management and formally the Health & Safety Lead of the Enhanced Special Investigations Unit of NYC Test & Trace Corp. Dr. Madad is experienced in leading and participating in response efforts for a variety of infectious diseases, such as Ebola, Zika, Measles, COVID-19, and monkeypox.
Outbreak Response
Ebola, Zika, Measles, COVID-19, Monkeypox
Research & Academia
Harvard, Johns Hopkins, NETEC
Dr. Madad has made substantial contributions to the field of science through her publication of papers, book chapters, and journal articles. She has presented her work at over 70 conferences globally. Syra holds several prestigious leadership positions at academic institutions and research centers. She is a Fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School's Belfer Center, Adjunct Senior Fellow at the Federation of American Scientists, Alumni Fellow at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, and Core Faculty in the National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center (NETEC). She is a passionate advocate for science communication and promoting diversity in STEM fields and is the creator and moderator of Belfer Center's Diversity in STEM and Women in STEM series.
Recognition
Forbes, Crain's New York, NYC Health + Hospitals
Dr. Madad was awarded the prestigious J.V. Irons Award for Scientific Excellence in 2015 by the Texas Department of State Health Services for her significant contributions to the agency and scientific community. She was highlighted as a "Pathogen Preparedness Pioneer" in NYC Health + Hospitals Press Release in 2017 and was awarded "Most Innovative Use of Healthcare Simulation" by The Institute for Medical Simulation and Advanced Learning (IMSAL) in 2019 for her ongoing work in special pathogens preparedness via incognito special pathogen patient simulation drills. In 2020, Dr. Madad was featured in Fortune's prestigious "40 Under 40" list for most influential in healthcare. In 2021, she was featured in Crain's Most Notable in Health Care. In 2022, she was awarded a Citation by Nassau County Executives for her significant contribution for the enhancement of the county and commitment to the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Education & Training
University of Maryland, Nova Southeastern
Dr. Madad earned her Doctoral degree in Health Science with a concentration in Global Health from Nova Southeastern University, graduating with Alpha Eta Health Science Honor Society status. She obtained her Master of Science degree in Biotechnology with a concentration in Biodefense and Biosecurity and Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Maryland. Dr. Madad holds numerous professional certifications, licenses and training certificates including Master Continuity Practitioner Certification (FEMA), Certified Healthcare Emergency Professional (CHEP), Advanced Emergency Planning Certification, All Hazard Response (CBRNE) Training for Laboratory Personnel, Infection Control and Prevention Certification, Biosafety Level III Training, and Identification of the Primary Select Agents of Bioterrorism Training.
Advisory Roles
WHO, National Science Advisory Board
She serves on numerous editorial boards, advising committees and councils, including member of the federal advisory committee - The National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity (NSABB), external reviewer to the World Health Organization, and member of the National Academies of Science Forum on Medical and Public Health Preparedness for Disasters and Emergencies.
In the Media
Netflix, New York Times, CNN
Dr. Madad regularly authors, is frequently quoted in, and appears on major news outlets such as The New York Times, Washington Post, Atlantic, CNN, MSNBC, and FOX among others. She is featured in the 2000 Emmy-nominated Netflix docuseries, Pandemic: How to Prevent an Outbreak and the 2021 Discovery Channel documentary, The Vaccine: Conquering COVID.
FAQs
Keynote Booking / SCTY
For keynote speaking requests and inquiries regarding specialized consulting or training, please reach out through the official contact channels. Dr. Madad is dedicated to sharing her expertise and collaborating on initiatives to advance public health preparedness and response.