Dr. Jennifer Shuford Appointed CDC Deputy Director and Chief Medical Officer On April 17, 2026, President Donald Trump announced the appointment of Dr. Jennifer Shuford as deputy director and chief medical officer of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Dr. Shuford currently serves as commissioner of the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), a position she has held since 2022. As commissioner, Dr. Shuford has led Texas’ public health response to significant challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and a recent measles outbreak. Prior to her role as commissioner, she served as the state’s chief epidemiologist, where she contributed to infectious disease surveillance and control efforts across Texas. Dr. Shuford’s medical background includes training as an infectious disease physician at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School. She holds a Doctor of Medicine degree from that institution and a Master of Public Health from Harvard University. She is board certified in both Infectious Diseases and Internal Medicine. In announcing the appointment, President Trump highlighted Dr. Shuford’s credentials, stating she possesses the “knowledge, experience and TOP degrees to restore the GOLD STANDARD OF SCIENCE at the CDC.” The announcement was shared via his social media platform, Truth Social, and included his selection of Dr. Erica Schwartz as CDC director. Unlike the CDC director position, which requires U.S. Senate confirmation, the deputy director role does not necessitate Senate approval. Dr. Shuford can assume her duties without undergoing the confirmation process. The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO), of which Dr. Shuford is a board member, issued a statement praising the appointment. ASTHO CEO Dr. Joseph Kanter emphasized her leadership during public health crises and her commitment to evidence-based practices. He noted her experience managing one of the nation’s largest state health agencies and her understanding of coordination between federal, state, local, territorial, and tribal health departments. Dr. Shuford’s academic background includes a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Colorado College in Colorado Springs. She completed her internal medicine residency at Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas, where she served as chief resident. Her appointment reflects a focus on selecting public health leaders with direct experience in state-level crisis management and clinical expertise in infectious disease control. As CDC deputy director and chief medical officer, Dr. Shuford is expected to contribute to the agency’s scientific guidance and operational leadership.
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