SCHAUMBURG, IL — Aug. 5, 2026 — The American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM) congratulates ACOEM Fellow Dr. Erica Schwartz, FACOEM, on her confirmation by the United States Senate as director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The Senate voted on Wednesday, Aug. 5, to confirm Dr. Schwartz, making her the 22nd director of the Atlanta-based agency, the nation's leading public health institution charged with protecting Americans from preventable health threats.
A Multidisciplinary Background in Medicine, Law, and Public Service
Dr. Schwartz brings a rare breadth of expertise to the role. She holds both medical and law degrees – a combination that has positioned her at the intersection of clinical practice, health policy, and regulatory affairs throughout her career. She is a retired rear admiral in the Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service, reflecting a distinguished career of uniformed service to the nation's health.
She previously served as deputy surgeon general of the United States, where she contributed to national public health initiatives at the highest levels of government. She also held a leadership position with the U.S. Coast Guard, further reflecting her longstanding dedication to public service and the health and safety of those who serve.
Her designation as a Fellow of ACOEM recognizes her significant contributions to the field of occupational and environmental medicine and her commitment to the highest standards of professional excellence.
Dr. Schwartz was nominated to lead the CDC in April 2026. She appeared before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee for her confirmation hearing in July, and the committee voted to advance her nomination on July 30. Today's vote by the full Senate marks the final step in the confirmation process.
“Having an ACOEM Fellow confirmed to lead the CDC highlights the critical role occupational and environmental medicine plays in the broader public health landscape,” said Dr. Jill Rosenthal, ACOEM President. “Occupational and environmental medicine physicians bring a unique perspective to public health – one grounded in prevention, in understanding how the places where people live and work shape their health outcomes, and in translating science into practical protections. That expertise is exactly what the CDC's mission demands.”
ACOEM congratulates Dr. Schwartz on her confirmation and looks forward to her continued contributions to evidence-based public health practice.
About ACOEM
The American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM) represents 3,000 physicians and allied health care professionals specializing in the field of occupational and environmental medicine (OEM). ACOEM is the nation's largest medical society dedicated to promoting the health of workers through preventive medicine, clinical care, research, and education.