General · Texas behavioral health news
Trump picks top Texas health official for CDC deputy director - KUT
Texas HHSC (Google News) · April 17, 2026
In plain language
Dr. Jennifer Shuford, the current head of the Texas Department of State Health Services, has been selected to serve as the deputy director and chief medical officer for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In her career in Texas, she has managed major public health events like the COVID-19 pandemic and a significant measles outbreak. She is a trained infectious disease doctor who has worked as the state's top expert on how diseases spread. Once she moves to her new national role, Texas health officials will begin the search for a new leader to run the state health department.
AI-generated summary of the source article. Not medical advice.
Key takeaways
- Dr. Jennifer Shuford will serve as the CDC deputy director and chief medical officer.
- Shuford has led the Texas Department of State Health Services as its commissioner since 2022.
- Unlike the CDC director, Shuford's position as deputy does not require a Senate confirmation process.
- The new appointee has a background as an infectious disease doctor and former chief epidemiologist for Texas.
- During her time in Texas, Shuford publicly advocated for vaccinations to stop the spread of measles.
- A new leader for the Texas health department will be chosen after Shuford leaves for her federal role.
Trump picks top Texas health official for CDC deputy director KUT
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