A Hot Take on the Erica Schwartz CDC Nomination
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Erica Schwartz is a strong candidate for CDC director, but her success depends on being given the authority and independence required for the role. The CDC's structural issues, including a health secretary with positions not supported by evidence, may hinder her ability to lead effectively.
Erica Schwartz, MD, MPH, JD, is a highly qualified candidate for CDC director, with a background as a retired rear admiral in the Public Health Service Commissioned Corps and former chief medical officer of the Coast Guard. However, her ability to succeed in the role is uncertain due to the CDC's structural issues. The CDC is led by a health secretary with positions not supported by evidence, particularly on vaccines. Schwartz's predecessor, Susan Monarez, PhD, was fired after just four weeks for declining to pre-approve recommendations without reviewing the science. The same dynamics that led to Monarez's firing remain unchanged. Schwartz's success will depend on being given the authority, air cover, and evidence-based independence required for the role.
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