The White House will reportedly issue a formal announcement as early as March 20 regarding Robert Redfield's, MD, nomination to lead the CDC after the agency's former director resigned in January, according to The New York Times.
An anonymous administration official who was not authorized to speak publicly told The New York Times the White House will issue a statement about Dr. Redfield, 66, once the vetting process has been completed.
Dr. Redfield currently serves as the Robert C. Gallo, MD Endowed Professor in Translational Medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore. He also co-founded the Institute of Human Virology and serves as its associate director.
Best known for his years as an AIDS and HIV researcher, Dr. Redfield reportedly oversees a clinical program providing care and treatment to 6,000-plus patients throughout Baltimore and Washington, D.C., according his biography on the university's website. However, his career has not been without controversy. As an early AIDS researcher, Dr. Redfield reportedly proposed mandatory testing, a move that was highly opposed by many gay activists, according to The New York Times.
If selected, Dr. Redfield would succeed Brenda Fitzgerald, MD, who resigned as director of the CDC in January after six months amid reports she held investments in several tobacco and healthcare companies, which posed a conflict of interest. Former HHS Secretary Tom Price, MD, appointed Dr. Fitzgerald to the role, according to The New York Times. Dr. Price resigned from his role in the Trump administration last September following criticism for billing the government more than $400,000 for his travels, according to the report.
To access The New York Times report, click here.