Erica Schwartz nominated as new CDC director

Medical community hopeful with nomination of former deputy surgeon general

Apr. 18, 2026 at 1:51pm

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A glowing neon outline of a stylized medical symbol, such as a caduceus or the CDC logo, against a dark background, conveying a sense of optimism and renewal for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.The nomination of a new CDC director with a strong public health background signals a renewed focus on science-driven leadership at the agency.Atlanta Today

President Donald Trump has nominated Erica Schwartz, a former deputy surgeon general, to be the next director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If confirmed by the U.S. Senate, Schwartz will replace Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, who has been serving as the acting CDC director since February. The agency has been in turmoil since the dismissal of former director Dr. Susan Monarez last August, which led to the resignation of several key scientific leaders.

Why it matters

The nomination of Schwartz, who has decades of medical experience, is seen as a positive step by many in the medical community after a period of instability and political meddling at the CDC. Her appointment could help restore the agency's scientific integrity and public health focus.

The details

Schwartz holds both medical and law degrees, and her career has largely been spent in the military, including a leadership position at the U.S. Coast Guard where she oversaw the organization's system of clinics and sick bays. She later served as deputy surgeon general, helping to lead uniformed medical and health professionals posted at the CDC and other government health agencies.

  • President Donald Trump announced Schwartz's nomination this week.
  • If confirmed, Schwartz will replace Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, who has been serving as the acting CDC director since February 2026.

The players

Erica Schwartz

A former deputy surgeon general who has been nominated by President Donald Trump to be the next director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Dr. Jay Bhattacharya

The current acting director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, who will be replaced by Schwartz if she is confirmed.

Dr. Susan Monarez

The former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, who was ousted from her job in August.

Dr. Paul Offit

The director of the Vaccine Education Center and an attending physician in the division of infectious diseases at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, who expressed optimism about Schwartz's nomination.

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What they’re saying

“I don't know Dr. Schwartz personally but, from what I've read, it sounds like she would be an excellent candidate to be CDC director. She has a history in public health and in supporting the public's health, which is a welcome change from what we have now ... I think this is a welcome change in the right direction toward public health.”

— Dr. Paul Offit, Director of the Vaccine Education Center and attending physician at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

What’s next

If confirmed by the U.S. Senate, Schwartz will take over as the new director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The takeaway

The nomination of Erica Schwartz, a seasoned public health professional with decades of experience, is seen as a positive step in restoring the CDC's scientific integrity and public health focus after a period of instability and political interference at the agency.