USU Alumna Dr. Erica Schwartz Confirmed as Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

A USU Master of Public Health graduate and longtime military medicine leader will lead the nation's top public health agency.

Dr. Erica Schwartz, a USU Master of Public Health graduate, has been confirmed as director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Photo credit: Mike Olliver)

August 6, 2026 by Sharon Holland

Dr. Erica Schwartz, a graduate of the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences' (USU) Master of Public Health program, has been confirmed by the U.S. Senate as the next director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Schwartz, a physician and public health leader, will oversee the nation's premier public health agency, which is responsible for protecting Americans from infectious disease outbreaks, responding to public health emergencies, and advancing disease prevention efforts across the country.

Her confirmation marks the latest milestone in a career dedicated to military medicine and public service. After earning her medical degree from Brown University, Schwartz served in the U.S. Navy before joining the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps. She later served as chief medical officer for the U.S. Coast Guard and as deputy surgeon general of the United States.

Dr. Erica Schwartz (Photo credit: Tom Balfour, USU)

USU President Dr. Jonathan Woodson praised Schwartz's career as an example of the link between military medicine and public health.

"Dr. Erica Schwartz's career reflects the powerful connection between military medicine and public health," said Woodson. "Throughout her service, she has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to protecting the health of our nation. As a graduate of USU's Master of Public Health program, she represents the kind of principled, mission-focused leader our university strives to develop. We congratulate her on this significant achievement and look forward to the impact she will make in advancing the health, readiness and resilience of the American people."

USU's Master of Public Health program prepares military and civilian health professionals to address complex public health challenges through interdisciplinary education in epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental and occupational health, health policy, and leadership. Graduates serve throughout the Military Health System, federal agencies, and public health organizations, applying evidence-based approaches to improve the health of service members, their families, and communities around the world.

Schwartz's confirmation affirms the important role USU graduates continue to play in shaping the future of military medicine and public health through leadership, service, and a commitment to improving health outcomes at the national level.