Dr. Huma Qamar, MD, MPH, CMI, continues to gain national recognition for her work at the intersection of clinical innovation, public health, and inclusive leadership. Currently serving as Chief Medical Officer at Ocugen, Inc. (NASDAQ: OCGN), Dr. Qamar is leading efforts to bring forward groundbreaking treatments for rare retinal diseases, while also championing a broader vision for equity in healthcare and research.
With over a decade of experience across prestigious institutions such as Yale University, Harvard Medical School, the University of Pennsylvania, and Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Dr. Qamar has developed a strong reputation for her strategic approach to clinical development and her ability to bridge the gap between science and community impact. Her current focus includes investigational pivotal therapies for Stargardt disease, Retinitis Pigmentosa, Geographic Atrophy, and Diabetic Macular Edema.
Born in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, and raised in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Dr. Qamar immigrated to the United States with fewer than $100 and a vision to contribute to global health transformation. Her journey from international medical graduate to executive leader in the U.S. biotech space underscores her resilience, focus, and determination to make healthcare more equitable and accessible.
Dr. Qamar holds a Doctor of Medicine degree from Army Medical College, Rawalpindi Pakistan and a Master’s in Public Health from Thomas Jefferson College of Population Health. Her academic background is matched by practical experience in clinical research,health policy and law, medical and regulatory affairs. In addition to her scientific work, she is a certified medical interpreter in Urdu, Hindi, Punjabi, Pashto, and Hindko, further strengthening her ability to serve diverse patient populations.
At Ocugen, she leads both Clinical Development, Clinical operations, Biometrics and clinical strategy guiding therapeutic programs from concept to clinical execution. Yet her impact reaches far beyond the company walls. Dr. Qamar is a recognized voice on issues such as immigrant health, women’s leadership in STEM, and the need for greater representation in clinical trials. Her leadership style is grounded in emotional intelligence, cross-sector collaboration, and a belief that the future of medicine depends on diversity of thought and experience.
She also leverages her platform to inspire other women and underrepresented professionals to pursue leadership in science and healthcare. In 2019, she was honored at the Miss and Mrs. Pakistan USA pageant, receiving titles such as Mrs. Congeniality and Mrs. Darling of the Press, highlighting her multifaceted identity as both a scientist and community figure.
As she continues her work in the rare disease space, Dr. Qamar remains focused on long-term goals that include expanding clinical access for gene therapy patients, artificial intelligence, influencing health policy, and eventually stepping into key leadership roles such as Chief Executive Officer. Her drive is rooted in a core belief: that healthcare innovation must serve all communities globally not just the privileged few.
