Jay Bhattacharya, MD, PhD, met with CDC staff March 25 to address mounting concerns over agency instability and staffing, KFF Health News reported.
The staff meeting came the same day the White House delayed its nomination of a permanent agency director. Dr. Bhattacharya, director of the National Institutes of Health, has led the CDC on an interim basis since February amid a prolonged leadership vacuum at the agency. While his acting title expired March 25, he will continue to oversee the agency until a permanent director is confirmed.
Dr. Bhattacharya said President Donald Trump will soon name his pick for agency director, potentially as soon as March 26, according to a recording of the meeting obtained by KFF Health News.
He also acknowledged the tumult the agency has faced over the past year amid significant job cuts and a fatal shooting at CDC’s Atlanta campus in August.
“I know that it has been such a difficult year for the CDC and for every single one of you,” he said.
CDC employees pressed Dr. Bhattacharya on job security and morale, noting the reduced workforce has hindered the agency’s internal capacity and expertise. In particular, employees expressed fears about Schedule F, a proposed job reclassification policy that could strip civil service protections from thousands of federal workers.
Dr. Bhattacharya said his goal is to leave the agency in “a solid, secure place” so it can resume its core functions without disruption. He said the agency has made progress in closing leadership gaps and pointed to ongoing hiring and operational improvements, though he did note bureaucratic red tape at HHS is slowing the process. He also called for depoliticizing the agency’s work so that “every American sees us as working for their benefit.”
Read the full article here.
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.