Global leader in healthcare biopreparedness & public health

Dr. Syra Madad is a globally recognized healthcare and public health leader, science communicator, and writer specializing in infectious disease epidemiology, emergency management, hospital readiness, and preparedness for biothreats. Known for her leadership in disease prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery, she has led high-impact public health and healthcare initiatives spanning policy, strategy, and operational execution.

Current Role

NYC Health + Hospitals

Assistant Vice President and Chief Biopreparedness Officer at New York City Health + Hospitals, the nation's largest municipal healthcare delivery system. Principal Investigator of NYC Health + Hospitals Institute of Diseases and Disaster Management.

Public Health Editor-at-Large, New York Academy of Science.

Research & Academia

Harvard · NYAM · Boston University · Johns Hopkins · NETEC

Fellow at Harvard Kennedy School's Belfer Center.
Fellow at the New York Academy of Medicine.
Affiliate faculty at Boston University's Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases Policy & Research.
Alumni Fellow at Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security.
Core Faculty at the National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center.

Published papers, book chapters, and journal articles with presentations at over 70 conferences globally.

Outbreak Response

Special Pathogens

Ebola · Zika · Measles · COVID-19 · Monkeypox · and many more

Recognition

Awards & Features

Asian Trailblazers — New York City and State, 2025
Richard E. Davis Alpha Eta Leadership in Healthcare Award — Nova Southeastern University, 2024
John Snow Pump Handle Award — Reset 3rd Annual Awards, 2024
Citation — Nassau County Executive Office, 2022
Certificate of Recognition — Awarded 2022 by Office of the Nassau County Comptroller
Crain's Most Notable in Health Care, 2021
Fortune "40 Under 40" in Healthcare, 2020
Most Innovative Use of Healthcare Simulation, IMSAL, 2019
J.V. Irons Award for Scientific Excellence, 2015

Education

Credentials

DHSc, Global Health — Nova Southeastern University
MS, Biotechnology/Biodefense/Biosecurity — University of Maryland
BS, Psychology — University of Maryland

Advisory Roles

Policy & Governance

Member of the National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity (NSABB). External reviewer to the World Health Organization. Member of the National Academies Forum on Medical and Public Health Preparedness for Disasters and Emergencies.

In the Media

Publications & Appearances

Regular contributor to The New York Times, Washington Post, Atlantic, CNN, MSNBC, and FOX. Featured in Netflix's Emmy-nominated docuseries "Pandemic: How to Prevent an Outbreak" and Discovery Channel's "The Vaccine: Conquering COVID."

Speaking & Inquiries

For keynote speaking requests and consulting inquiries, please reach out through official channels.

syramadad.com