Debra Ford

Ford is from Pine Bluff, Arkansas.^[1] She earned a B.S. in zoology (1982) and M.D. (1986) from Howard University.^[1] She was the top-ranking medical student in her class.^[1] She completed a surgery residency at Howard University Hospital in 1991.^[1] She completed a colon and rectal surgery at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston.^[1]

In September 1994, Ford joined the faculty at Howard University College of Medicine.^[1] She researches surgical education, simulation in health care, and the colon, rectum, and anus.^[1][2] She is an associate professor of surgery and senior associate dean for academic affairs.^[1] Ford is the founding medical and surgical director of its health sciences simulation and clinical skills center.^[1] She was the program director of the Howard University general surgery residency for thirteen years until 2012.^[1] Ford heads the colon and rectal surgery section.^[1] She is a fellow of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons.^[1] In 2022, Ford was inducted as a member of the Academy of Master Surgeon Educators of the American College of Surgeons.^[1]