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Trauma Surgeon
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Harvard University
Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Dr. Zara Cooper, MD, MSc, FACS, is an associate professor of surgery at Harvard Medical School and acute care surgeon, trauma surgeon and surgical intensivist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. She serves as Michele and Howard J. Kessler Distinguished Chair of Surgery and Public Health, Kessler Director for the Center for Surgery and Public Health, and Co-Director and Founder of the Center for Geriatric Surgery at Brigham Health. She has recently emerged as a leader in academic surgery working towards social justice, anti-racism and equity, serving as chair of the Executive Advisory Council for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. A leader of anti-racism and social justice efforts in the surgical field, Dr. Cooper leverages her esteemed position in academic surgery to advance social justice, equity and inclusion for patients and surgeons alike.
Dr. Cooper is an internationally recognized clinical researcher with a focus on the intersection of surgery, geriatrics, and palliative care. She has authored over 150 peer-reviewed manuscripts, mentored over 25 individuals, and is a leader in several national academic societies. As an associate professor for Harvard University, Dr. Cooper is a committed educator. Much of her time is spent with surgical residents and fellows. Dr. Cooper is also a frequently invited presenter at national institutions, speaking on multiple topics related to geriatric trauma, palliative care, and equity in surgery.
Dr. Cooper received her bachelor’s at Northwestern University and her master’s and medical degree at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine. She completed her General Surgery Internship, Residency and Surgical Critical Care Fellowship at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. She completed her Trauma Surgery Fellowship at the University of Washington. She also completed a Palliative Medicine Fellowship at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and the Dana Farber Cancer Institute.