[1][2] Lurie received her Master of Science in Public Health from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where she also completed her medical residency.

[2] At the University of Minnesota Medical School and University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Lurie rose to become professor of medicine and public health, director of primary care research, and director of the Division of General Internal Medicine.

[2] Lurie also worked in state government and served as medical advisor to the commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Health.

[2] After leaving HHS, Lurie became senior natural scientist and the Paul O'Neill Alcoa Professor of Health Policy at the Arlington, Virginia-based Rand Corporation, a think tank.

"[2][4] In July 2009, Lurie returned to HHS as Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response at the Department of Health and Human Services.