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Lisa Cooper
Director at Johns Hopkins Urban Health Institute
Lisa Cooper is a distinguished physician, researcher, and public health expert who served as a member of the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) from 2021 to December 2024.3 She is currently the Director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Equity and Urban Health Institute.3
Dr. Cooper is a Liberian-born general internist, social epidemiologist, and health services researcher.3 She is renowned for her groundbreaking work in documenting disparities in physician-patient relationships among socially at-risk groups.3 Her research has led to innovative interventions targeting physicians' communication skills, patients' self-management skills, and healthcare organizations' ability to address health disparities.3
As a Bloomberg Distinguished Professor and James F. Fries Professor of Medicine at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Dr. Cooper has authored over 200 publications and led more than 15 federal and private foundation grants.3 Her expertise in health equity and public health has earned her numerous accolades, including:
- MacArthur Fellow (2007)3
- Elected Member of the National Academy of Medicine (2008)3
- Herbert W Nickens Award from the Association of American Medical Colleges (2014)3
- Distinguished Scientist Award from the American Heart Association (2022)3
- William B. Graham Prize for Health Services Research (2023)3
During her tenure on PCAST, Dr. Cooper co-chaired a report on harnessing social and behavioral science insights to improve the lives of Americans.1 Her work on the council focused on leveraging scientific research to promote evidence-based policymaking and address societal challenges.12
Dr. Cooper's commitment to mentorship is evident in her guidance of over 60 individuals pursuing careers in medicine, nursing, and public health.3 Her multifaceted career demonstrates a deep dedication to improving health equity and advancing public health through research, policy, and education.


