Barbara DeBuono, M.D., M.P.H

A renowned expert in public health and health literacy, Dr. Barbara DeBuono brings a critical perspective to Porter Novelli clients by helping them assess the impact that health and medical issues have on their businesses, regardless of category. Barbara also leads PN’s social marketing offering, orchestrating and harnessing regulatory, private sector and civic and community groups for effective 2.0 public health campaigns. This includes engaging public health government clients and emerging corporate clients in timely public health issues. Barbara is an adjunct professor at the George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services in the Department of Health Policy. Prior to joining Porter Novelli, she was executive director, public health and government for Pfizer, Inc., where she created and managed innovative public-private partnership programs in public health education, policy and research. Prior to Pfizer, she was an executive vice president of the New York-Presbyterian Healthcare System, one of New York City's major academic medical centers. She has also served as commissioner of health for the states of New York and Rhode Island. She also served as a senior consultant to the World Health Organization in Southeast Asia and is involved in pro bono work on health literacy and maternal health issues in sub-Saharan Africa. Among numerous professional memberships, Barbara serves as chair of the Board of Directors for the Partnership for Clear Health Communication, member of the Board of Governors for the National Patient Safety Foundation and member of the Board of Scientific Counselors for the CDC’s National Center for Health Marketing. In 2005 the CDC Foundation named Barbara one of five public health heroes nationwide in 2005. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Rochester and her medical degree from the University of Rochester School of Medicine. She received her Master of Public Health from the Harvard University School of Public Health.

“Improving public health by changing behavior, policies and social norms through integrated evidence-based solutions is the cornerstone of Porter Novelli’s unique approach to social marketing,” says Barbara. “As a public health physician practicing in a global communications firm, I see the potential for Porter Novelli to leverage these assets and change lives.”