Ernest Carter, A.B., M.D., Ph.D
Director of Health, Equity, Research, and Innovation at the Kennedy Krieger Institute
Dr. Ernest L. Carter is a highly respected healthcare leader with over 40 years of experience in clinical care, public health, health information technology, and health equity. He is the Director of Health, Equity, Research, and Innovation at the Kennedy Krieger Institute. Additionally, Dr. Carter holds academic roles at Johns Hopkins University, where he is an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the School of Medicine and an Associate in the Department of Health Policy & Management at the Bloomberg School of Public Health.
Dr. Carter’s educational journey began with an A.B. in Physics from Harvard College, an M.D. in Neuroscience from Harvard Medical School, and a Ph.D. in Bioengineering from the University of Pennsylvania. His career has been marked by key public health and clinical leadership roles, with significant contributions to neonatal care, pediatric medicine, and telehealth innovation.
Notably, during his tenure as Health Officer for Prince George’s County, Maryland—a county of nearly one million people—from 2019 to 2023, Dr. Carter led the county’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, spearheading efforts to mitigate the virus’s spread, promote vaccination, and address health disparities exacerbated by the pandemic. His work emphasized health equity and was instrumental in improving healthcare delivery and outcomes in the community during one of the most challenging public health crises of our time.
In addition to his public health leadership, Dr. Carter has been a pioneer in the use of technology in healthcare, particularly through his work in telemedicine and digital health. His expertise extends beyond academia into the private sector, where he has led telehealth companies and operated retail-based clinics. A researcher and thought leader, Dr. Carter has published on care coordination, population health management, diabetes and hypertension prevention, and healthcare access. His efforts have been recognized through numerous awards for his contributions to public health and health equity.
Dr. Carter dedicates his career to improving health outcomes and advancing equity through innovative healthcare solutions.