Dr. Jay Butler Resigns from Senior Post at CDC Amid Agency Turmoil
TL/DR –
Dr. Jay Butler, former Alaska chief medical officer and the CDC’s deputy director of infectious diseases since 2019, has resigned from the CDC amid agency turmoil. Butler is concerned about the recent mass firings at the CDC and new COVID-19 vaccine guidance, particularly the decision to no longer recommend the vaccine for pregnant women or healthy children. He did not directly criticize the CDC’s current leadership or cite a specific decision that drove him to leave, but he did express concern about the loss of experience and expertise at the agency.
CDC Deputy Director for Infectious Diseases Resigns
Dr. Jay Butler, previously Alaska’s chief medical officer, recently stepped down from his role as Deputy Director for Infectious Diseases at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). With over 30 years of public health experience, Butler announced his resignation amid turbulence within the agency.
“I think I can do more for public health outside the federal government at this time,” Butler said during a recent interview. He refrained from explicitly criticizing the CDC’s current leadership or highlighting any specific decision that prompted his departure.
However, Butler expressed concern over mass layoffs at the CDC and recent guidance changes for COVID-19 vaccinations. In April, more than 2,400 CDC employees were reportedly set to be laid off, a move Butler believes led to a significant loss of experience and expertise.
As a federal agency dedicated to protecting America from diseases and public health threats, the CDC has faced challenging times. Butler has particularly critiqued vaccination guidance coming from U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has expressed skepticism towards vaccines.
According to Butler, the past few years at the CDC have been challenging. Despite this, he believes the agency plays a vital role in America’s health and praised the CDC’s mission, stating that it was a “joy” to work there.
His concerns extend to the reported increase in measles cases across multiple states and the future of HIV control, specifically in Africa.
Butler announced his intention to resign in February and left his role on May 3. He will spend his immediate future focusing on family, friends, and fishing before exploring other career opportunities.
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