April 17, 2026 

President Trump’s Efforts to Restore the “Gold Standard of Science” at the CDC

WASHINGTON, D.C. –  Doctors for America commends President Trump’s aim to “restore the gold standard of science” at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) through the nomination of a new director and appointment of senior physicians with extensive academic and clinical qualifications, robust public health experience, and strong commitments to public service. We support the selection of a qualified candidate CDC Director for evaluation by the Senate, which is a promising step toward rebuilding the trustworthiness and scientific integrity of our nation’s central authority on public health security. 

Physician nominees and appointees include: 

• Dr. Erica Schwartz, MD, JD, MPH for CDC Director
• Dr. Jennifer Shuford, MD, MPH for CDC Deputy Director/Chief Medical Officer
• Dr. Sara Brenner, MD, MPH for Senior Counselor for Public Health

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We are encouraged by these physicians’ demonstrated commitments to evidence-based public health policy and practice, particularly their vocal support for vaccines and other cornerstones of preventive health. As they step into their roles leading a CDC weakened by politicization and an exodus of expertise, we will partner with these leaders in their vital tasks: restoring public trust, bolstering local health infrastructure, rebuilding public health emergency preparedness systems, and reinstating health equity as a core pillar of public health.

Doctors for America urges the Senate to evaluate all nominees for confirmation to health leadership positions based on clinical and public health qualifications, experience, and a demonstrated commitment to scientific integrity. We highly support the appointment of physicians and experts at the CDC who will create policies that focus on the health of the nation. 

“As a physician pursuing a masters certificate in public health, I have seen how public health training expands the impact of clinical medicine beyond individual patients to entire populations. Supporting leaders with this expertise is key to advancing prevention and achieving better health outcomes for all Americans,” said Alyssa Lambrecht, DO, Community Health and Prevention Chair, Doctors for America.

Healthcare cannot be a partisan issue. President Trump’s choices for  CDC leadership  is an encouraging first step towards rebuilding this critical American public health institution. On behalf of our patients, Doctors for America will continue to advocate for restoration of a strong CDC that prioritizes scientific integrity, protects public health, and regains the trust of the communities we serve.

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About Doctors for America:

Doctors for America (DFA) is a national nonprofit that mobilizes over 40,000 physicians and medical trainees to advocate for policies that improve the health of patients and communities. Through advocacy training and action at the state and federal levels, DFA works to expand access to affordable care, strengthen community health and prevention, and advance health justice and equity. We do not accept funding from pharmaceutical, insurance, or for-profit health care entities, ensuring our work remains fiercely independent and patient-centered. DFA puts patients over politics–and over profits. Find out more at doctorsforamerica.org and on X @drsforamerica or Bluesky drsforamerica.bsky.social.