Emily Behar, PhD Ms
About Emily Behar, PhD Ms
Emily Behar, PhD, serves as the Director of Clinical Operations at Ophelia, where she has worked since 2020. She holds a PhD from the University of California, San Francisco, and has extensive experience in public health and harm reduction strategies.
Current Role at Ophelia
Emily Behar serves as the Director of Clinical Operations at Ophelia, a position she has held since 2020. In this role, she leads clinical operations and contributes to the company's mission in San Francisco, California. Her responsibilities include overseeing clinical strategies and ensuring effective implementation of programs aimed at addressing opioid use disorder. Behar's leadership in clinical operations is integral to Ophelia's efforts in providing accessible treatment options.
Education and Expertise
Emily Behar earned her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) from the University of California, San Francisco, completing her studies from 2016 to 2019. She also holds a Master of Science (M.S.) in Medical Anthropology and a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Anthropology from the University of Pennsylvania. Behar's academic background provides her with a strong foundation in health-related issues, particularly in opioid use disorder treatment and harm reduction strategies.
Professional Background
Before joining Ophelia, Emily Behar held several significant positions in the health and human rights sectors. She worked at Housing Works as the Director of the Overdose Prevention Program and as the Coordinator of the Harm Reduction Program from 2012 to 2013. Additionally, she served as a Research Intern at Human Rights Watch in the Health and Human Rights Division in 2009. Her experience also includes working as a Health Educator at the Riverside Correctional Facility and as a Program Assistant for the International Palliative Care Initiative at Open Society Foundations.
Research and Field Experience
Emily Behar has engaged in various research and fieldwork initiatives that enhance her understanding of public health issues. In 2007, she worked as a Field Researcher/Ethnographer for the Guatemala Health Initiative at the University of Pennsylvania, where she conducted research in Santiago, Atitlan, Guatemala. This experience, combined with her internship at Human Rights Watch, has equipped her with valuable insights into health and human rights challenges.
Focus on Harm Reduction and Palliative Care
Emily Behar emphasizes harm reduction strategies in her work, particularly in improving access to essential palliative medicines. Her expertise in opioid use disorder treatment is complemented by her commitment to overdose prevention. Behar's focus on these areas reflects her dedication to advancing public health initiatives and addressing critical health disparities.