Mary T. Bassett facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mary Bassett
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| Commissioner of the New York State Department of Health |
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| In office December 1, 2021 – December 31, 2022 |
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| Governor | Kathy Hochul |
| Preceded by | Howard Zucker |
| Succeeded by | James V. McDonald |
| Commissioner of the New York City Department of Health |
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| In office January 16, 2014 – August 31, 2018 |
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| Mayor | Bill de Blasio |
| Preceded by | Thomas Farley |
| Succeeded by | Oxiris Barbot |
| Personal details | |
| Born | November 12, 1952 |
| Residences | Albany, New York, U.S. |
| Education | Harvard University (BA) Columbia University (MD) University of Washington (MPH) |
| Awards | Calderone Prize (2016) |
Mary Travis Bassett is an American doctor and researcher who works to improve public health. She served as the 17th Health Commissioner for the New York State Department of Health. Governor Kathy Hochul chose her for this role, which she held from 2021 to 2022.
Before that, from 2014 to 2018, Dr. Bassett was the Health Commissioner for New York City. She also directs a center at Harvard University that focuses on health and human rights. She is a professor at both Harvard and Columbia University.
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Early Life and Education
Mary Bassett grew up in New York City. Her father, Dr. Emmett W. Bassett, was a chemist. He was the first African American investigator in his field. Her mother, Priscilla Bassett, was a librarian and an activist. Mary Bassett identifies as African American.
She studied history and science at Harvard University, earning her first degree in 1974. She then became a medical doctor, getting her M.D. from Columbia University in 1979. Later, she earned a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree from the University of Washington in 1985. She completed her medical training at Harlem Hospital Center.
Career in Public Health
Dr. Bassett lived in Zimbabwe from 1985 to 2002. During this time, she worked as a medical teacher at the University of Zimbabwe. In 2002, she returned to New York City. She became a deputy commissioner at the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Her job was to promote health and prevent diseases.
From 2009, she led a health program for the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation in Africa.
Leading New York City's Health Department
In January 2014, Bill de Blasio, the mayor of New York City, appointed her as the New York City Health Commissioner. This was a very important job. She helped lead the city's response to the Ebola virus outbreak in 2014. She also informed New Yorkers about outbreaks of Legionnaire's disease.
In 2015, Dr. Bassett wrote an article in a medical journal. She explained how unfair treatment based on race can harm the health of African Americans.
Speaking Out for Health Justice
In November 2015, Dr. Bassett gave a TEDMED talk. The talk was titled "Why your doctor should care about social justice." She shared her experiences from the AIDS epidemic in Zimbabwe. She had set up a clinic there to help people with the virus. She also taught them about it.
Dr. Bassett said she wished she had spoken out more against unfair systems in Zimbabwe. She believes similar problems exist in the United States today. As New York City's Health Commissioner, she promised to fight for health fairness. She also spoke out against racism.
Awards and Recognition
In October 2016, Dr. Bassett received the Frank A. Calderone Prize. This award is given by the Mailman School of Public Health. It is considered one of the most important honors in public health in the United States.
In 2017, Dr. Bassett was chosen to be a member of the National Academy of Medicine. This is a very respected group of health experts.
In 2018, Oxiris Barbot took over Dr. Bassett's role as New York City Health Commissioner.
