Former Health Secretary Umair Shah on AI, MAHA and Leadership Lessons

Public health officials are navigating an increasingly complicated landscape shaped by shrinking resources and political polarization. Meanwhile, artificial intelligence is transforming how health systems collect information, manage care and respond to community needs. The challenge for today’s public health leaders is figuring out how to adapt without losing the public’s trust or losing sight of their core mission: improving the health of the communities they serve. 

In this episode, Michael speaks with Dr. Umair Shah,

former Secretary of Health for Washington State and former executive director of the Harris County health department in Texas. Drawing on his experience at both the local and state levels, Umair explains how health departments are responding to workforce shortages, shifting federal priorities and the need to function as a safety net provider. He also discusses the growing role of AI in health care and why he believes public health can still serve as a unifying force in a divided country.

Dr. Shah serves on the Advisory Board of the Center for Public Health Systems and is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Health Policy and Management at the Mailman School of Public Health. In Spring 2026, Dr. Shah taught "Navigating Health in a Divided Nation." Dr. Sparer last interviewed Dr. Shah at the CPHS Launch Event on December 12, 2024. 

The Center for Public Health Systems at Columbia's Mailman School of Public Health conducts needed research, facilitates public discussions, develops policy proposals and provides educational programs, all with the goal of encouraging a better, more efficient and more equitable public health system. This work builds on the recognition that the nation’s public health system is currently under-resourced, under-paid and under-valued, and that a stabilized and strengthened system would benefit all of us.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube.