Laura Herrera Scott

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Secretary
Maryland Department of Health

Before being named head of the Maryland Department of Health last year by then-newly elected Gov. Wes Moore, Laura Herrera Scott was the chief medical officer at the Baltimore City Health Department.

Scott received her medical degree from SUNY Downstate Health Science University.

What is the biggest challenge facing health care?

There is no one biggest challenge: There are many that impact the accessibility of health care today. Nothing threatens access to care as much as the cost of care. Over 60% of bankruptcies are tied to health care. Then there are those who delay or fail to receive care due to costs. There are also inequities in care, with race dictating too many health outcomes. Also, the system that we’ve built is complicated. For many, navigating care is challenging. Lastly our workforce has never returned to pre-pandemic levels, exacerbating issues.

What is  the most encouraging new development in health care?

I think it is the work that we are doing in the behavioral health field. We have developed a behavioral continuum of care, are working on a strategy for children, adolescents and their families and have expanded the collaborative care model statewide, to name a few. These are not new developments. Behavioral health his one part of the delivery system that has not received enough attention or integration.

What do you do for fun and why?

I love to travel, especially if it includes hiking and biking. Basically, anything outside because it allows me to fully disconnect and be present to take in the views and just relax.

And always, spending time with my family.

This profile is part of The Daily Record's Health Care Power List for 2024. Information used in this profile was sourced from the honoree. See the full list at thedailyrecord.com.