Syra Madad is a global leader in healthcare biopreparedness & public health.

With extensive experience in disease outbreaks, Dr. Madad is a respected science communicator and writer, focusing on disease prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery with a special emphasis on healthcare and public health biopreparedness.

"Netflix's new series about global outbreaks is eerily timed, and moved me to tears. The heroes are the scientists, doctors and disaster experts. We follow Dr Syra Madad as she tries to get the New York City hospital system ready for a deadly pandemic, despite budget cuts."

— The Guardian

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 or 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

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.

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.

In the Media

Netflix, New York Times, CNN

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.

Research & Academia

Harvard, Johns Hopkins, NETEC

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.

Education & Training

University of Maryland, Nova Southeastern

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

Advisory Roles

WHO, National Science Advisory Board

FAQs

  • A career in public health involves working to protect and improve the health of communities through education, promotion of healthy lifestyles, and research for disease and injury prevention. It encompasses a wide range of areas, including epidemiology, environmental health, and health policy.

  • Special pathogens refer to highly infectious diseases that pose significant health risks, often due to their potential for rapid spread and high mortality rates. Bio-preparedness is the process of planning and preparing to manage these pathogens, including outbreak response and containment strategies.

  • Careers in this field can range from epidemiologists and public health researchers to biosecurity specialists and emergency response coordinators. Roles often involve collaboration with healthcare providers, government agencies, and international organizations.

  • Typically, a career in special pathogens and bio-preparedness requires a background in public health, biology, or a related scientific field. Advanced degrees in public health, epidemiology, or infectious diseases are often recommended for more specialized roles.

  • Internships, volunteer opportunities, and research projects are excellent ways to gain experience. Participating in simulations and training exercises related to infectious disease outbreak response can also be beneficial.

  • Key skills include strong analytical abilities, problem-solving, effective communication, and a thorough understanding of disease transmission and public health principles. Skills in data analysis and a familiarity with biosecurity measures are also valuable.

  • Dr. Syra Madad’s Program offers both an internship (undergraduate and graduate level students) and fellowship (post-graduate or doctoral students) program. See links below for more information on these highly competitive internship/fellowship opportunities that is open year-round:

    Internship and fellowship

    OR go to and click on “Opportunity for Highly Motivated Students”

  • Challenges include staying updated with rapidly evolving pathogens, managing public health emergencies, and developing strategies for disease prevention and control in diverse settings.

  • Working in this field can be highly rewarding due to the significant impact on public health and safety. Professionals play a crucial role in preventing outbreaks, saving lives, and shaping health policies.

  • Yes, resources include academic journals, public health textbooks, online courses, and webinars. Following organizations like the CDC and WHO and attending public health conferences can also provide valuable insights.

  • Courses in epidemiology, microbiology, global health, and emergency management are highly relevant. Many universities offer specialized programs in public health, infectious diseases, and emergency preparedness.