By Ahmed Abdelsalam
Dr. Jennifer Shuford, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's deputy director and chief medical officer, has resigned, the agency announced Tuesday. Shuford, who was hired in April, will leave her post on Nov. 12.
Resignation Announcement
In a statement, Shuford said she is stepping down to spend more time with her family. She thanked President Trump and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for the opportunity to help lead the CDC, calling it an amazing experience.
CDC Director Dr. Erica Schwartz praised Shuford's leadership during a demanding period. Satish Pillai will serve as acting chief medical officer and deputy director in the interim.
Background and Tenure
Shuford is board-certified in internal medicine and infectious diseases and earned her medical degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School. Before joining the CDC, she served as Texas' chief state epidemiologist and later as commissioner of the Texas Department of State Health Services, overseeing statewide public health programs.
She was appointed in April alongside two other officials when Schwartz was nominated by President Trump. Trump described the appointees as highly respected doctors who would restore the gold standard of science at the CDC.
Public Health Advocacy
Shuford has been a vocal supporter of vaccination, warning that areas with declining measles vaccination rates face increased outbreak risks. In February 2025, during a measles outbreak in western Texas, she described the situation as unusual for the state, contrasting with Health Secretary Kennedy's remark that such outbreaks are not unusual. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Shuford appeared in a public video explaining vaccine efficacy and side effects.
