Jay Bhattacharya, a distinguished physician and economist, has been named acting director of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), while continuing his leadership role at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Bhattacharya confirmed the dual appointment in an interview with NBC News, following multiple prior reports.
The CDC has experienced significant leadership instability in recent months under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Susan Monarez, who briefly served as CDC director, was dismissed in August after internal disagreements with Kennedy, known for his vaccine skepticism. Deputy Health Secretary Jim O’Neill temporarily led the agency until Bhattacharya’s appointment.
Originally from Kolkata, Bhattacharya holds both an MD and a PhD in economics. Before joining the federal government, he served as a professor at Stanford University’s School of Medicine in California. He gained national recognition during the Covid-19 pandemic for challenging widespread government lockdown policies and debating with Anthony Fauci over pandemic response strategies, which brought him to the attention of both former President Donald Trump and Health Secretary Kennedy.
The Atlanta-based CDC manages a $9.7 billion budget and oversees 25 centers and institutes focused on protecting public health in the US and globally. Its responsibilities range from monitoring infectious diseases, food safety, and environmental health to addressing non-infectious issues like obesity, diabetes, occupational safety, and injury prevention.
Meanwhile, the NIH, headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, comprises 27 institutes and centers and operates with a $48 billion research budget. The institute funds internal research programs and supports external studies through grants.
Bhattacharya joins a growing number of Indian American leaders in US health agencies, including Dr. Vinay Prasad, director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research. Prasad, who oversees biologics, vaccines, and gene therapy safety, temporarily left the post in July before returning in August at the FDA’s request.
This leadership reshuffle places Bhattacharya at the helm of America’s premier public health agency during a critical period, positioning him to influence policy decisions and the nation’s response to ongoing health challenges.
