Debra Houry

Dr. Debra Houry
Born	Virginia, USA
Academic background
Education	BA, biology and philosophy, 1994, Emory University MD, MPH, Tulane University
Academic work
Institutions	Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Emory University

Dr. Debra Houry is an American physician. She is the Chief Medical Officer and Deputy Director for Program and Science of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). She previously served as the acting Principal Deputy Director (2021-2023) and the Director of the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (2014-2021).

Dr. Houry is responsible for establishing, strengthening, and maintaining collaboration and coordination across CDC’s national centers including infectious diseases, chronic disease, environmental health, injury prevention, and public health infrastructure. She also provides overall direction to, and coordination of, the scientific and medical programs. Dr. Houry is also the Designated Federal Officer for the Advisory Committee to the CDC Director, working directly with private and public sector constituents to prioritize CDC’s activities and address key areas including data modernization and health disparities. As a board-certified emergency physician, she has seen firsthand the impact of infectious diseases, chronic health conditions, and injuries on individuals, families, and communities and strives to address and prevent challenges with implementable, evidence-based practices.