Tom Frieden

Thomas_Frieden_official_CDC_portrait.jpg

Thomas R. Frieden (born December 7, 1960) is an American infectious disease and public health physician. He served as the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) from 2009 to 2017, under President Barack Obama. Frieden is known for his work in tuberculosis control, tobacco control, and public health preparedness.

Early life and education[edit | edit source]

Frieden was born in New York City, New York. He earned his BA degree from Oberlin College in 1982. He then attended Columbia University, where he received his MD degree from the Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons in 1986 and his MPH degree from the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health in 1986.

Career[edit | edit source]

Early career[edit | edit source]

Frieden began his career as an epidemiologist with the CDC in 1990. He worked on tuberculosis control in the United States and later in India, where he helped establish a nationwide program to control the disease.

New York City Health Commissioner[edit | edit source]

In 2002, Frieden was appointed Commissioner of the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. During his tenure, he implemented several public health initiatives, including the New York City smoking ban and the requirement for calorie information to be posted in restaurants.

Director of the CDC[edit | edit source]

Frieden was appointed Director of the CDC in 2009 by President Barack Obama. During his tenure, he led the CDC's response to several public health emergencies, including the H1N1 influenza pandemic, the Ebola virus epidemic in West Africa, and the Zika virus outbreak.

Post-CDC career[edit | edit source]

After leaving the CDC in 2017, Frieden became the President and CEO of Resolve to Save Lives, an initiative of Vital Strategies, which aims to prevent epidemics and cardiovascular disease.

Personal life[edit | edit source]

Frieden is married and has two children. He continues to be active in public health and frequently speaks on issues related to infectious disease control and public health policy.

References[edit | edit source]

External links[edit | edit source]

Template:Directors of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Template:US-poli-bio-stub

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