Established in 2002 by Ivan C. Walks, MD, following his nationally recognized tenure as the District of Columbia’s Chief Health Officer and Department of Health Director.
Dr. Walks played a central leadership role in response to the Anthrax Crisis, leveraging his earlier development of a regional healthcare communication system. His vision for rapid response and shared information for public safety positioned him as a trusted figure in local, national, and global public health.
Today, IWA continues that mission by connecting expertise across disciplines to improve public health outcomes and strengthen healthcare systems.
IWA’s mission is to improve healthcare outcomes for communities by bridging innovation, communication, and collaboration across sectors. We work with public and private partners to design sustainable systems grounded in evidence-based practice, measurable impact, and lasting community change.
Through strategic research, data-driven insight, and inclusive partnerships, we empower organizations to strengthen healthcare delivery, advance health equity, and build a more resilient future for all.
At Ivan Walks & Associates (IWA), we believe that sustainable change in healthcare begins with collaboration. We bring together experts across disciplines—public health, policy, economics, technology, and community engagement—to address complex health challenges from every angle. By integrating evidence-based research with practical implementation, we design solutions that not only respond to immediate needs but also strengthen systems for long-term resilience.
Our outcome-driven model ensures that every recommendation we make is actionable, measurable, and rooted in real-world impact. Whether improving access to care, developing innovative data systems, or enhancing crisis preparedness, we work alongside our partners to build programs that are both scalable and adaptable—advancing health equity and shaping stronger, healthier communities for the future.
We work across sectors—government, healthcare, academia, and business, to unify expertise and create stronger, coordinated health solutions.
We promote forward-thinking strategies, effective data use, and creative approaches to overcome public health challenges.
We are dedicated to addressing both medical and social determinants of health, ensuring resilient systems and better outcomes for all.
Dr. Ivan C. Walks, MD is a visionary leader in public health and healthcare systems with more than three decades of service across government, clinical care, and consulting. As the former Chief Health Officer and Director of the Department of Health for the District of Columbia, he guided the city through major public health responses including the Anthrax incident, West Nile virus outbreaks, and urban health reform.
Dr. Walks founded Ivan Walks & Associates (IWA) to extend his legacy of action, helping communities, health systems, and agencies design resilient, data-driven solutions for complex challenges. A veteran-owned, minority-led practice, IWA bridges innovation and public service to promote health equity, disaster preparedness, and community wellbeing.
Known for his inclusive leadership style, Dr. Walks combines deep policy experience, clinical insight, and strategic vision to empower organizations and stakeholders in the public health space. His hallmark is collaboration: forging partnerships, translating evidence into practice, and enabling measurable results that make a lasting difference.
