Dr. Ramin Asgary is a distinguished global health expert with over three decades of operational experience in humanitarian aid and disaster response. As the Director of the Humanitarian Health and Disaster Response Program at George Washington University, he is deeply involved in the intersection of humanitarian operations and public health, with a focus on preventive medicine and health disparities solutions in low-resource and conflict-affected regions.
His extensive fieldwork includes multiple humanitarian missions in Eurasia, Sub-Saharan Africa, South/Central America, and regions impacted by conflict and refugee crises. Dr. Asgary’s work has directly impacted public health systems in more than two dozen countries and includes leadership roles with organizations like Doctors Without Borders (MSF), where he served as a senior advisor and board member. His global health initiatives primarily focus on health system strengthening, disaster preparedness, and reproductive health in underserved areas.
Research & Advocacy Efforts
Dr. Asgary’s research interests center around health disparities, global public health, and preventive medicine, with an emphasis on healthcare education, community service, and implementation research. His academic research spans a range of areas, including:
- Humanitarian ethics and accountability in disaster response and crisis settings
Global health curriculum development aimed at equipping healthcare professionals with the skills to manage international health crises - Cancer control in low-resource and humanitarian contexts, particularly in Malawi and other countries in sub-Saharan Africa
- Women's and reproductive health initiatives in underserved regions, focusing on access to care in conflict zones and refugee settings
Dr. Asgary’s academic leadership extends beyond teaching and research to active participation in international committees and advocacy groups, such as the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (as Past-President for Global Health) and the American Public Health Association (as Governing Councilor for the International Health Section).
Funding
Dr. Asgary has led several large-scale, international health initiatives funded by academic institutions, global health organizations, and international donors. His projects have received support for:
- Humanitarian health programs that address the health needs of refugees and displaced populations in areas like Ghana, Malawi, and Kyrgyzstan
- Cancer control efforts in low-resource settings, which aim to improve early detection, treatment access, and health infrastructure in countries with high burden rates of preventable cancers
- Global health curriculum development at George Washington University and other academic institutions, aimed at training the next generation of humanitarian health professionals
The humanitarian and development work Dr. Asgary leads is often multidisciplinary, requiring funding from philanthropic foundations, government agencies, and NGOs committed to global health equity.
Educational Background & Clinical Training
Dr. Asgary’s educational background includes training in internal medicine, preventive medicine, and public health, with complementary education in clinical and translational research and comparative effectiveness research. His qualifications include:
- MD from Tehran University
- MPH from Columbia University
- Training at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York University, and Johns Hopkins University
Dr. Asgary has held faculty appointments at prestigious institutions, including George Washington University, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and Columbia University. He has also served in leadership roles in academic program development and research administration for global health initiatives.
Industry Relationships and Collaborations
Dr. Asgary is a key member of several prominent organizations and initiatives focused on global health and humanitarian assistance. His significant contributions include:
- Doctors Without Borders (MSF): Serving as a field worker, healthcare coordinator, and senior advisor for MSF, and as an elected board member (2012-2018).
- International Rescue Committee (IRC): Serving as Vice-Chair of the Institutional Review Board for Research Ethics, overseeing humanitarian projects worldwide.
- American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (ASTMH): Past-President for Global Health, advancing public health initiatives in developing countries.
- American Public Health Association (APHA): Governing Councilor, representing the International Health Section, advocating for global health policies.
Additionally, Dr. Asgary has a strong partnership with various academic institutions, research centers, and global health organizations for collaborative research and field-based education.
Accolades & Recognitions in Global Health/Surgery
Dr. Asgary has received multiple awards and honors throughout his career for his work in global health and humanitarian aid. Some of his key recognitions include:
- Elected board member and senior advisor for Doctors Without Borders (MSF), contributing to operational decision-making and strategic planning for over 25 humanitarian missions.
- Teaching and research awards from institutions such as Columbia University, Mount Sinai, and George Washington University for his contributions to global health education and capacity building.
- Acknowledgement in mainstream media outlets for his research and policy contributions aimed at improving healthcare delivery in disaster zones and low-resource settings.
Dr. Asgary is highly regarded for his leadership in humanitarian health and global health education, and his contributions continue to shape the field of global public health.
View Dr. Asgary's profile at Milken Institute School of Public Health