Director, Division of Policy and Program Development
Office of Women's Health
U.S. Public Health Service
Dr. Susan Wood currently serves as the Director of the Division of Policy and Program Development in the U.S. Public Health Service's Office of Women's Health, the mission of which is to coordinate research, services, and education programs across the agencies of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). In her capacity as Director, Dr. Wood leads policy proposal development and recommends actions on women's health for the Assistant Secretary for Health and for the Secretary of HHS. Dr. Wood also coordinates the activities of the Public Health Service Coordinating Committee on Women's Health, representing the Office of Women's Health in the areas of international health, reproductive health, legislation, and healthcare reform. Previously, Dr. Wood served as Deputy Director for the Congressional Caucus on Women's Issues. Prior to going to Capitol Hill, Dr. Wood was a research scientist at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in the Department of Neuroscience, where her research focused on cellular mechanisms of sensory transduction. She has received recognition for her contributions to the neuroscientific field and for her work for women. Her awards include the Boston University Marine Program Alumni Award, a National Research Service Award from the National Institute of Mental Health, the Biophysical Society Congressional Science Fellowship, and a Women of Achievement Award. She has published in both health policy and scientific research journals. Dr. Wood holds a doctorate in biology.