Debra Lerner is a medical sociologist and health services researcher. She holds a doctoral degree in Sociology from Boston University and a Master's of Science in Health Planning/Administration from the University of Cincinnati. She is currently a Scientist at The Health Institute, located within the Division of Clinical Care Research at the New England Medical Center. The Health Institute is an internationally-renowned research center specializing in health status measurement and outcomes research. Dr. Lerner is also an Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Tufts University School of Medicine, and Director of the Outcomes Research for the graduate program in Clinical Care Research, Sackler School of Biomedical Sciences.

Dr. Lerner's research addresses the relationship between chronic illness, work conditions and ability to work. She is a recognized expert on the subject of work disability, and specializes in developing survey methods for measuring the impact of chronic health problems on ability to work. She is one of the principal developers of the Work Limitations Questionnaire (WLQ); a validated self-report questionnaire for measuring health-related limitations performing job roles. The WLQ is used nationally and internationally in clinical trials, outcomes research and health policy studies.

Dr. Lerner has also directed several studies concerning the health of employee populations and the role of psychosocial work conditions. She has published numerous articles concerning work disability and rehabilitation as well as the health and health-related quality of life of working men and women. She is a consultant to multiple projects and has served on several panels and committees.