In a first, the Senate confirms a new CDC director
NPRTuesday, July 29, 2025 at 10:52:24 PM
The Senate has confirmed Susan Monarez as the new director of the CDC, marking two historic firsts: she’s the first CDC chief to undergo Senate confirmation and the first in over 70 years without a medical degree.
Editor’s Note: This isn’t just a routine appointment—it’s a shift in how the CDC’s leadership is chosen. Monarez’s background (non-medical but likely policy or management-focused) signals a potential change in priorities for the agency, possibly emphasizing administrative over clinical expertise. Given the CDC’s critical role in health crises, her confirmation could reshape how the agency operates—or spark debates about the right qualifications for the job.
— Curated via WP Now’s
