Debra Houry is an American physician, public health leader, and emergency medicine expert who has spent her career tackling injuries, violence, mental health, and drug overdoses. She is best known for her work at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), where she served as Chief Medical Officer and Deputy Director for Program and Science. A respected voice in medicine and public health, she built her career on data-driven solutions and patient-centered care. In August 2025, she resigned from the CDC in protest, standing firmly for science over politics. At around 53 years old, Debra Houry continues to inspire as a role model for women in STEM and health policy.
Debra Houry Wiki/Bio
| Full Name | Debra Elaine Houry |
| Date of Birth | 1972 |
| Age | 53 years (as of 2025) |
| Profession | Physician, Public Health Expert, Emergency Medicine Specialist |
| Hometown | Atlanta, Georgia, USA |
| Current Residence | Atlanta, Georgia, USA |
| Nationality | American |
Debra Houry Early Life
Debra Houry was born in 1972 and grew up in the Atlanta area. From an early age, she showed a strong interest in science and helping others. As a teenager, she volunteered at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston and later at Grady Hospital, where she worked closely with patients from underserved communities. These experiences sparked her interest in medicine and laid the foundation for her lifelong focus on injury prevention and mental health.
Debra Houry Education
Debra Houry studied at Emory University, where she earned a double major in biology and philosophy in 1994. She went on to pursue a dual degree program at Tulane University School of Medicine, graduating in 1998 with both an MD and a Master of Public Health (MPH). Afterward, she completed her residency in emergency medicine at Denver Health Medical Center in 2001, blending clinical skills with a public health approach.
Debra Houry Career
Debra Houry began her career as an assistant professor of emergency medicine and occupational health at Emory University, where she also served as director of the Center for Injury Control. She developed computer-based screening tools for domestic violence and mental health, authored over 50 peer-reviewed publications, and secured more than $1.6 million in federal research grants.
In 2014, she joined the CDC as the Director of the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, where she grew its budget from $150 million to $714 million, expanding programs on suicide prevention, opioid overdose, and violence. From 2021 to 2023, she served as the CDC’s acting Principal Deputy Director, leading reforms in laboratory safety, global health, and organizational improvements. In 2023, she was appointed Chief Medical Officer and Deputy Director for Program and Science, overseeing CDC’s scientific work and chairing advisory committees.
Throughout her career, Debra Houry has held leadership positions with the American College of Emergency Physicians, the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine, and served as associate editor for the Annals of Emergency Medicine. Her achievements include awards such as the Jay Drotman Award from the American Public Health Association. In August 2025, she resigned from the CDC after the dismissal of Director Susan Monarez, an act of protest against political interference and a stand for scientific independence.
Career Highlights
| Year / Period | Highlight |
| 1998–2001 | Early clinical and academic work; emergency medicine residency completed at Denver Health |
| 2001–2013 | Emory University — assistant professor, director of the Center for Injury Control; developed screening tools and led research |
| 2013 | Hedwig van Ameringen Executive Leadership Fellowship (women in medicine) |
| 2014–2021 | Director, CDC National Center for Injury Prevention and Control — expanded budget and programs on overdose, suicide, violence |
| 2021–2023 | Acting Principal Deputy Director, CDC — led organizational reforms and lab quality efforts |
| 2023–2025 | Chief Medical Officer & Deputy Director for Program and Science, CDC — chaired advisory bodies and oversaw science programs |
| Aug 2025 | Resigned in protest after political interference at the CDC |
Career Milestones
| Milestone | Details |
| MD/MPH Graduation | Tulane University (1998) |
| Emory Faculty | Joined as assistant professor and became Center Director (2001 onward) |
| Leadership Fellowship | Hedwig van Ameringen Executive Leadership Program (2013) |
| NCIPC Director | Appointed to lead the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (2014) |
| Acting Principal Deputy | Served as acting CDC Principal Deputy Director (2021–2023) |
| Chief Medical Officer | Appointed CDC Chief Medical Officer & Deputy Director for Program and Science (2023) |
| Resignation | Left CDC in August 2025 in protest against political interference |
Net Worth & Income
| Item | Estimate (2025) |
| Estimated Net Worth | $1–2 million |
| Estimated Annual Income | $300,000–$500,000 |
| Income Sources | CDC and Emory salaries, consulting, speaking fees, research grants, publications |
LIVE: Dr. Debra Houry, CDC Leader and emergency physician testifies on her resignation under Trump and RFK. Line by line she outlines the ridiculous decisions made by RFK compromising patient health in the US and around the world. It's pathetic. pic.twitter.com/kmSbWJx4bj
— Raghu Venugopal MD (@raghu_venugopal) September 17, 2025
Also Read this:
- Jenna Ortega Biography – Early Life, Career, Family Net Worth and More
- Molly Little Biography – Early LIfe, Age, Career and More
- Ned Fulmer Biography, Age, Height, Career, Family and More
- Natasha Bure Biography, Age, Height, Career, Family and More
- Richard Bierschbach Biography – Early Life, Education, Career, Family and More
- Bad Bunny Biography – Age, Height, Career, Family, Net Worth and More