Marcella Nunez-Smith is a prominent physician and health equity researcher dedicated to addressing health disparities in the United States. She is an Associate Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology at Yale University and serves as the Director of the Equity Research and Innovation Center (ERIC) at Yale School of Medicine. Dr. Nunez-Smith’s work focuses on promoting health and healthcare equity for structurally marginalized populations, particularly racial and ethnic minorities.
Born and raised in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Dr. Nunez-Smith witnessed firsthand the impact of health disparities on underserved communities. She earned her medical degree from Jefferson Medical College and completed her residency at Harvard Medical School. Her research has been instrumental in highlighting the social determinants of health and the systemic barriers that contribute to health inequities.
Dr. Nunez-Smith has played a pivotal role in national efforts to address health disparities, including serving as Chair of the COVID-19 Health Equity Task Force for the Biden-Harris administration. In this role, she has worked to ensure equitable distribution of COVID-19 testing, treatment, and vaccines, and to address the disproportionate impact of the pandemic on communities of color.
Her contributions to the field have been recognized through numerous awards and honors, and she continues to advocate for policies and practices that promote health equity. Dr. Nunez-Smith’s commitment to improving health outcomes for all communities makes her a prominent figure in the fight against health disparities.
Here are three online articles and videos that describe how Marcella Nunez-Smith has addressed health disparities in her career:
“Making the Invisible Visible: The Role of Health Equity in the Pandemic.” This article features Dr. Nunez-Smith discussing the impact of COVID-19 on vulnerable populations and the importance of health equity. (March 2021)
“Paving the Way for Cancer Health Equity.” This article highlights Dr. Nunez-Smith’s efforts to promote cancer health equity and improve outcomes for marginalized communities. (February 2021)
“Dr. Marcella Nunez-Smith on Health Equity in the United States.” This video features an interview with Dr. Nunez-Smith discussing her work and contributions to health equity. (2021)
