AAMC (Association of American Medical Colleges) President and CEO David J. Skorton, MD, and Chief Public Policy Officer Danielle Turnipseed, JD, MHSA, MPP, issued the following statement in response to President Biden’s intent to appoint Mandy Cohen, MD, as director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
“The AAMC applauds President Biden’s intent to appoint Mandy Cohen, MD, as director of the CDC. Dr. Cohen has proven through her experience and previous performance that she is ready for this position. As secretary of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, she focused on improving patient access to efficient care, addressing social determinants of health, and treating patients holistically to ensure the best possible health outcomes. The CDC has been a critical partner to the academic medicine community as we work together to improve coordination between the field of public health and medical schools, teaching hospitals, and health systems, and we are confident that Dr. Cohen will continue to champion this partnership.
With a firm grasp on the most pressing public health issues facing our nation, Dr. Cohen has been recognized as a national leader for her expertise and execution. She is well-positioned to lead the country through challenging times in public health that require precision, experience, diplomacy, and an innovative spirit.
The AAMC worked closely with Dr. Cohen when she was chief operating officer and chief of staff at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and she brings a deep understanding of the health care sector and the critical role academic medical centers and teaching hospitals play in health care and public health.
The AAMC thanks Rochelle Walensky, MD, outgoing CDC director, for demonstrating her dedication and commitment to the health of all Americans by enacting positive public health reforms during an extremely challenging time for public health.
The AAMC is eager to work with Dr. Cohen and looks forward to supporting the vital work of the CDC in improving the health of people, families, and communities across the nation.”