Mary T. Bassett

File:Mary T. Bassett'79

Mary T. Bassett

Name	Mary T. Bassett
Birth name
Birth date	1952
Birth place	New York City, New York, United States
Death date
Death place
Alma mater
Occupation	Physician, Public Health Official
Years active
Organization
Known for	Public Health Leadership, Health Equity Advocacy
Notable works
Spouse(s)
Website

Mary T. Bassett (born 1952) is an American physician and public health official known for her work in advancing health equity and addressing social determinants of health. She has held prominent positions in public health administration, including serving as the Commissioner of the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and as the Director of the FXB Center for Health and Human Rights at Harvard University.

Early Life and Education

Mary T. Bassett was born in New York City in 1952. She attended Harvard University, where she earned her undergraduate degree in History and Science. She then pursued a medical degree at the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, graduating in 1979. Bassett completed her residency in internal medicine at Harlem Hospital Center, where she developed a strong interest in addressing health disparities.

Career

Early Career

After completing her residency, Bassett worked in Zimbabwe for nearly two decades, where she was involved in the development of public health programs and research on HIV/AIDS. Her work in Zimbabwe focused on community-based approaches to health care and the integration of health services.

New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene

In 2014, Bassett was appointed as the Commissioner of the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. During her tenure, she emphasized the importance of addressing social determinants of health and implemented policies aimed at reducing health inequities. She was instrumental in launching initiatives to combat chronic diseases, mental health issues, and substance abuse.

Academic and Advocacy Work

After leaving her position as Commissioner, Bassett joined the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health as the Director of the FXB Center for Health and Human Rights. In this role, she continued her advocacy for health equity and human rights, focusing on the intersection of health and social justice.

Contributions to Public Health

Mary T. Bassett is recognized for her leadership in public health and her commitment to addressing health disparities. She has been a vocal advocate for policies that promote health equity and has worked to highlight the impact of social factors on health outcomes. Her work has influenced public health practices and policies both in the United States and internationally.

Awards and Honors

Bassett has received numerous awards for her contributions to public health, including recognition from professional organizations and academic institutions. Her work has been acknowledged for its impact on improving health outcomes and advancing health equity.

Also see

• Public Health
• Health Equity
• Social Determinants of Health
• New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
• Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health