In a recent interview with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Rochelle Walensky, the outgoing director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), offered advice to her soon-to-be successor Mandy Cohen. As Cohen prepares to assume the new role next month, Walensky advised her to “keep your head down” in navigating the challenges of the position.
The interview sheds light on the political pushback Walensky faced during her tenure as CDC director. When asked about navigating this environment, she emphasized the importance of science being the foundation of health decisions. However, she also acknowledged the need to consider the broader policy landscape when delivering health policies.
Walensky will be stepping down from her role at the end of June, and President Biden has announced Mandy Cohen as her replacement. Although Cohen comes from the private sector, she has a history of government work, including serving in the Obama administration and as North Carolina health secretary.
Cohen will inherit an agency that has faced scrutiny for its COVID-19 response. The CDC’s guidance during the pandemic has been criticized for being difficult to follow. In response, Walensky initiated a restructuring of the CDC in 2022 to improve communication and streamline recommendations.
Even in her final days at the CDC, Walensky faced criticism from lawmakers regarding the agency’s recommendations for reopening schools. Despite the challenges she encountered, Walensky expressed her optimism for the future of the CDC and her belief in the agency’s role as both a science-driven and response-oriented organization.
As she looks ahead to the next chapter, Walensky mentioned her plans to spend time with family and indulge in reading for pleasure, which she hasn’t been able to do for a long time. While she may not have concrete plans after stepping down, her contributions to public health during her tenure as CDC director have left a lasting impact.
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