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* Press release…
Governor JB Pritzker has appointed Dr. Sameer Vohra, a distinguished pediatrician and healthcare policy expert, to lead the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) beginning August 1. Dr. Vohra, the Founding Chair of the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine’s (SIU-SOM) Department of Population Science and Policy, follows Dr. Ngozi Ezike, who stepped down in March after leading IDPH and the State of Illinois through the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I’m proud to announce the Illinois Department of Public Health’s next visionary leader: Dr. Sameer Vohra,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Dr. Vohra is accomplished in every sense of the word. His experience and education transcend sectors and fields, bringing a well-rounded perspective to this agency. As a leader in state and national health policy, I have absolute confidence in Dr. Vohra’s ability to continue shaping a stronger IDPH for the 21st century.”
Dr. Vohra is a general pediatrician who holds degrees in law and public policy. He is a cross-disciplinary leader in state and national health policy formulation, and his recent focus has been on improving health outcomes in Central and Southern Illinois. An Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Public Health, Medical Humanities, and Law at SIU-SOM, he currently serves the State of Illinois as the Interim Chair of the Children’s Mental Health Partnership.
He completed a residency in pediatrics at the University of Chicago and earned a Master of Arts in public policy from the University of Chicago. He holds a medical doctorate from SIU-SOM; a juris doctorate from SIU School of Law graduating first in his class; and a Bachelor of Arts in political science and science in human culture with honors from Northwestern University.
“I am humbled that the Governor has entrusted me to serve the people of our State as the 20th Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health,” said Dr. Sameer Vohra. “Governor Pritzker, along with the dedicated staff of IDPH, have served our State admirably during the COVID-19 pandemic. I am honored to lead this agency into the future, continuing to keep us safe from emerging illnesses, supporting our public health workers, and promoting wellness in every community across Illinois.”
Dr. Vohra also serves on IDPH’s Illinois State Board of Health, the Illinois Medicaid Advisory Committee, the Governor’s Rural Affairs Council, and recently completed a term on the Illinois COVID-19 Response Fund Steering Committee. He has previously served on national committees for the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Association of American Medical Colleges, and the American Medical Association, and on the Board of Trustees for the Illinois State Medical Society and Chicago Medical Society.
He has received numerous honors including a United States Fulbright Scholarship in 2009, an American Medical Association Foundation’s Excellence in Medicine Leadership Award in 2014, and was named an Edgar Fellow in 2016 as one of 40 emerging political and policy leaders in Illinois. In 2020, he was named a Presidential Leadership Scholar, chosen by the George W. Bush Presidential Center, the Clinton Presidential Center, the George and Barbara Bush Foundation, and the LBJ Foundation.
Since Dr. Ezike’s departure, IDPH has been led on an interim basis by Amaal Tokars, PhD., the department’s Assistant Director.
“It has been my great honor to serve the people of Illinois and Governor Pritzker as leader of IDPH during this interim period at a time when we are facing public health challenges on a number of fronts,” said Dr. Amaal Tokars, who will remain as IDPH Assistant Director, having served in that capacity since June 2020. “I applaud Governor Pritzker’s appointment of Dr. Vohra, a distinguished leader in the healthcare policy arena who is well-known among Illinois stakeholders for his expertise and dedication to improving health outcomes and addressing healthcare disparities that have been highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic.”
IDPH has 200 different programs that benefit each state resident and visitor. With the assistance of local public health agencies, these essential programs and services make up Illinois’ public health system, a system that forms a frontline defense against disease through preventive measures and education.
…Adding… ISMS…
Statement attributable to Clarence W. Brown Jr., MD, JD, President, Illinois State Medical Society:
“The Illinois State Medical Society is pleased to see long-time member Dr. Sameer Vohra appointed to lead the Illinois Department of Public Health. Dr. Vohra is a true public health advocate and is an excellent choice as the next leader of this vital department. Congratulations Dr. Vohra! Your physician colleagues know the citizens of Illinois are in good hands with you looking out for their health and well-being.”
posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Jul 12, 22 @ 1:36 pm
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Acting? I thought this was the appointment pending confirmation.
Comment by New Day Tuesday, Jul 12, 22 @ 1:38 pm
My goodness. What a set of credentials and honors.
I’m sure the renowned Mr. Bailey will have something good to say.
Comment by don the legend Tuesday, Jul 12, 22 @ 2:03 pm
Great hire. If I’m Dr. Vohra though before I accept that offer I specifically ask the JB social media team if I get the Director Sullivan leash or the Director Chapa LaVia leash.
Comment by Almost the Weekend Tuesday, Jul 12, 22 @ 2:23 pm
What a wonderful choice! I’ve known Sameer for several years, and could not be happier for him (and Illinois for that matter). He’s brilliant, a fantastic communicator, and has a deep understanding of public health issues in rural areas.
Comment by HARO Tuesday, Jul 12, 22 @ 2:27 pm
**Acting? I thought this was the appointment pending confirmation.**
You are “acting” until you get confirmed.
Comment by SaulGoodman Tuesday, Jul 12, 22 @ 2:33 pm
I have been in a number of meetings with Dr. Vora. He is indeed a very impressive and thoughtful person. I wish him great success in his new position.
Comment by SamGove Tuesday, Jul 12, 22 @ 2:36 pm
That is a lot of degrees. Was he trying to push off paying his student loans by continually going back for additional degrees. Has he ever actually practiced medicine or law, or has he been a policy wonk the entire time.
Comment by Unionman Tuesday, Jul 12, 22 @ 3:29 pm
“his recent focus has been on improving health outcomes in Central and Southern Illinois”
Spot on choice.
“Has he ever actually practiced medicine or law, or has he been a policy wonk the entire time.”
Uh, yeah. Release states he’s a pediatrician and did a pediatric residency at U of C. But also the job of the Director of IDPH is not performing medical exams but mainly . . . Being a policy wonk?
Comment by Roads Scholar Tuesday, Jul 12, 22 @ 4:27 pm
Why not Dr Tokars?
Comment by Dupage mom Tuesday, Jul 12, 22 @ 6:20 pm
Unionman: That is a lot of degrees. Was he trying to push off paying his student loans by continually going back for additional degrees. Has he ever actually practiced medicine or law, or has he been a policy wonk the entire time.
Or…he’s just that intelligent and wants to know as much as he can to help medicine. Since others have said they’ve worked with him in the area of medicine, pretty sure he’s worked in medicine.
Comment by Union Thug Gramma Tuesday, Jul 12, 22 @ 10:29 pm