Michelle McIsaac

Michelle
McIsaac
PhD

Expertise in the care economy, health systems, health and care workforce policies, and equity measurement — translating applied research into actionable insights for decision-makers. Committed to dismantling structural inequalities and advancing health for all.

Evidence, equity, and impact

Michelle McIsaac is a health economist and policy expert specialising in health systems, the care economy and health and care workforce policy. With a deep commitment to health equity and gender equality, and based at the World Health Organization (WHO) in Geneva, she works at the intersection of research and policy to shape health systems that are both resilient and inclusive.

Drawing on a systems thinking approach, Michelle translates complex research into actionable insights for decision-makers at the highest levels of global health governance. Her work is grounded in a commitment to dismantling structural inequalities — making intricate policy challenges accessible and relevant to the audiences who can drive meaningful change.

A recognised voice in global health workforce policy, Michelle is dedicated to advancing health for all by bridging the gap between evidence and impact. Her expertise spans responsive health systems, workforce planning, and the broader care economy — areas critical to building equitable and sustainable health systems worldwide.

Michelle holds a PhD in Economics from the University of Melbourne, an MA in Economics from McMaster University, and a BSc in Economics and Mathematics from Dalhousie University.

Impact across the world

17
Countries
30+
Publications
6
Global Goods
50+
Conferences
Aligned with the SDGs
3Good Health & Well-being 4Quality Education 5Gender Equality 8Decent Work & Growth 9Innovation & Infrastructure 10Reduced Inequalities 16Peace, Justice & Institutions
Countries worked in
Australia Bangladesh Belgium Canada Chad India Malta Netherlands Nepal Rwanda Senegal South Korea Sri Lanka
Multilateral engagements
Brazil · G20 Peru · APEC South Korea · APEC South Africa · G20 USA · CSW / UNGA Switzerland · WHO · WHA Switzerland · ILO · GB / ILC Switzerland · UN · UNHRC

Research & Scholarship

2024
Global Strategy on Human Resources for Health: Workforce 2030 — A Five-Year Check-In
McIsaac M, Buchan J, Abu-Agla A, Kawar R and Campbell J
Human Resources for Health · 22:68
Workforce PlanningGlobal HealthUHC
2024
How economic implications of gender gaps in employment affect global health equity
McIsaac M and Knaul FM
Bulletin of the World Health Organization · 102:87–87A
Gender EqualityHealth EquityCare Economy
2022
Informing investment in health workforce in Bangladesh: a health labour market analysis
Nuruzzaman M, Islam J, Almamun M, Zapata T, McIsaac M, Dussault G, Wangmo S
Human Resources for Health · 20:73
Labour MarketBangladeshInvestment
2022
Implementing a health labour market analysis to address health workforce gaps in a rural region of India
Garg S, Tripathi N, McIsaac M, Zurn P, Zapata T, Mairembam D, Barik Sign N, de Graeve H
Human Resources for Health · 20:50
Labour MarketIndiaWorkforce Gaps
2020
Violence against female health workers is tip of iceberg of gender power relations
George AS, McConville FE, de Vries S, Nigenda G, Sarfraz S, McIsaac M
BMJ · 371:m3546
GenderHealth WorkersEquity
2019
Health workers' strikes: a plea for multisectoral action
Salama P, McIsaac M, Campbell J
Bulletin of the World Health Organization · 97:443–443A
Health WorkersPolicyGlobal Health
2018
Results-based financing in health: from evidence to implementation
McIsaac M, Kutzin J, Dale E, Soucat A
Bulletin of the World Health Organization · 96:730–730A
Health FinancingEvidenceImplementation

Keynotes, panels, and talks

Michelle speaks at international forums on global health, the care economy, equality, and health workforce policy — bringing clarity, conviction, and evidence to complex policy debates.

Multilateral Forums
Selected Conferences
Podcast
Interested in inviting Michelle to speak? She welcomes enquiries for keynotes, panels, and podcasts on global health, care economy, and equality.
Get in Touch

Contact

I welcome inquiries regarding research collaborations, advisory roles, speaking engagements, and media opportunities. Please use the form below to get in touch.