Boris D. Lushniak

Dr. Boris D. Lushniak, MD, MPH, has been the Dean of the School of Public Health at the University of Maryland since 2017, where he has spearheaded the development of new academic programs to address workforce needs, initiated a global health initiative, and fostered civic engagement among students with a focus on social justice and equity. Prior to his role at UMD, he served as professor and chair of the Department of Preventive Medicine and Biostatistics at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. Dr. Lushniak previously held the position of U.S. Deputy Surgeon General from 2010 to 2015, where he led efforts to improve public health messaging and oversaw the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps. His notable achievements include serving as Acting Surgeon General, releasing significant health reports, and commanding the USPHS Monrovia Medical Unit during the Ebola crisis in Liberia. With a career in the USPHS beginning in 1988, Dr. Lushniak has held various roles, including assignments at the CDC and FDA, and he was involved in key public health responses, such as Hurricane Katrina and the 2009 pandemic. As Dean, he has guided the School through substantial growth and challenges, including the global coronavirus pandemic, and he currently co-chairs the Maryland Commission on Public Health to enhance public health services statewide. A graduate of Northwestern University and Harvard, Dr. Lushniak is also dedicated to promoting healthy living through his active lifestyle as a long-distance bicyclist, runner, and hiker. He resides in Rockville, Maryland, with his wife, Dr. Patricia Cusumano, and their two daughters.