Paul Friedrichs Appointed by Biden to Head New White House Pandemic Office

The News

President Biden has selected Dr. Paul Friedrichs, a retired Air Force major general and combat surgeon with experience in leading the Covid-19 response at the Pentagon, to head a newly established White House office responsible for preparing for and managing future biological threats. This appointment, effective August 7, will task Dr. Friedrichs with establishing the Office of Pandemic Preparedness and Response Policy (O.P.P.R.), as designated by the administration.

This appointment brings the search for a director full circle, as Dr. Friedrichs had recently joined the staff of the National Security Council as a senior director for global health security and biodefense. Prior to that role, he served as the Joint Staff surgeon at the Pentagon, providing medical advice to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The Washington Post had already reported on his anticipated selection.

Why It Matters: Future health threats loom.

The coronavirus pandemic, widely regarded as the most significant public health crisis in a century, serves as a lesson that the next pandemic could arrive sooner than later due to factors such as migration patterns and human interaction with animal life. With the departure of previous Covid “czars,” the appointment of Dr. Friedrichs demonstrates a permanent and coordinated effort from the White House to prepare for and respond to pandemics, extending beyond the current administration.

Background: Dr. Friedrichs served decades in the Air Force.

During a February speech, Dr. Friedrichs reflected on his extensive 37-year career in the Air Force and shared personal details, including his familial military history and his wife’s profession as an Army doctor. He also praised the military’s role in combating Covid-19 and providing support to civilian partners and hospitals.

What’s Next: The job will focus on preparedness.

Dr. Friedrich’s new position grants him the authority to oversee domestic biosecurity preparedness. His responsibilities include developing next-generation vaccines, ensuring an ample supply in the Strategic National Stockpile, and enhancing surveillance to detect potential biological threats. Additionally, he will collaborate with Congress to secure funding for preparedness efforts, as mandated by a government spending package passed in the previous year.