Dr. Drew Harris is a researcher, author and lecturer in the fast-growing discipline of population health. Most recently, as a member of the Thomas Jefferson University College of Population Health (JCPH) faculty, he led the team that created the nation’s first Masters in Population Health and Population Health Intelligence for practicing health professionals.

Dr. Harris presents regularly on population health and health policy to regional and national audiences. He is an active health advocate, publishing frequently on topical health policy issues in the Philadelphia Inquirer, Wall Street Journal and other publications. His graphic describing how flattening the epidemic curve of new viral transmissions prevents a surge of cases that overwhelms the healthcare system has been described as the defining image of the COVID-19 pandemic. His current passion is finding ways to help lay and professional audiences understand the important role social determinants of health, green space and the built environment play in population health outcomes.

Dr. Harris began his career in clinical practice specializing in the treatment of the lower extremity complications of diabetes and wound care. Frustrated with treating patients only after their illnesses became severe, he transitioned into academic public health at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of NJ (now part of Rutgers University), leading several initiatives to promote leadership, community engagement and disaster preparedness. As president of the NJ Association for Biomedical Research, he represented the interests of the state’s laboratory researchers. He also served as president of the NJ Public Health Association, served on the Executive Board of the American Public Health Association, and founded the NJ Public Health Institute.