Dr. Mary Bassett is a renowned public health expert and advocate for health equity. She currently serves as the Director of the François-Xavier Bagnoud Center for Health and Human Rights at Harvard University and has held numerous influential positions throughout her career, including Commissioner of the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and New York State Health Commissioner. Dr. Bassett’s career has been dedicated to addressing health disparities, particularly those affecting racial and ethnic minorities.
Born and raised in New York City, Dr. Bassett earned her medical degree from Columbia University and a Master of Public Health from the University of Washington. Her early career included significant work in Zimbabwe, where she witnessed the devastating impact of the AIDS epidemic and helped establish a clinic to treat and educate local communities. This experience deeply influenced her commitment to social justice and health equity.
Dr. Bassett has been a vocal advocate for addressing the social determinants of health, such as poverty, housing, and education, which contribute to health disparities. She has implemented numerous public health initiatives aimed at reducing these disparities, including campaigns to reduce smoking, improve maternal and child health, and address chronic diseases. Her work emphasizes the importance of recognizing and challenging structural racism and inequality in healthcare.
Here are three videos that describe how Mary Bassett has addressed health disparities in her career:
“Why your doctor should care about social justice.” This video features Dr. Bassett discussing the role of health professionals in addressing social injustices. (TEDMED, 2016)
“Ending Black-White Health Disparities: The Case for Reparations.” This video includes Dr. Bassett’s lecture on health disparities and the need for reparations. (Columbia Public Health, October 2022)
“NEJM Interview: Dr. Mary Bassett on factors contributing to poorer health outcomes among black Americans.” This video features an interview with Dr. Bassett discussing health disparities. (NEJM, 2015)
