Backtosch Mustafa, MD, MPH, is a physician and public health expert who works at the intersection of artificial intelligence, ethics, and health system governance.
His current research combines normative theory with implementation science to encourage the adoption of responsible agentic AI systems in healthcare. At Harvard’s Berkman Klein Center, he is investigating how such systems can be designed, governed and scaled to improve care while safeguarding patient rights and health equity. Having studied medicine in Germany and public health at Harvard, he was honored as a Harvard 'Student Leader in AI'. He has conducted research at the Petrie-Flom Center for Health Law Policy, Biotechnology & Bioethics at Harvard Law School and was an AI Safety Policy Fellow. He has also advised the OECD and the World Health Organization on global AI and health policy initiatives. Outside of work, he enjoys stargazing, hiking and triathlons.
