Linda P. Fried, MD, MPH

Dr. Fried is a leader in the fields of epidemiology, gerontology, and geriatric medicine. Her seminal research has defined frailty as a new clinical syndrome and illuminated its causes; created understanding of opportunities to prevent cardiovascular disease and disability with aging; and developed novel population-based interventions to enable health through engagement. She has proposed that the two pillars of healthy engagement and new institutions that deploy the social capital of older people for a more thriving society could create a Third Demographic Dividend for nations. Under Dr. Fried’s leadership since 2008, Columbia Mailman has built programs to address the critical issues of our century that affect the public’s health from pandemic preparedness to the health effects of climate change to increasing health span for our society of longer lives. She has received numerous awards including the 2017 French National INSERM International Prize in Medical Research, the 2022 Kober Medal from the Association of American Physicians, and the 2023 Legion of Honor of France.