Rochelle Walensky is a prominent American physician and epidemiologist who is currently serving as the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States. Her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic has been instrumental in guiding the country through one of its most challenging public health crises in history.
Early Life and Education
Born in Brooklyn, New York in 1969, Rochelle Walensky grew up in a family of medical professionals. Her father was a doctor and her mother a nurse, which may have influenced her decision to pursue a career in medicine. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Washington University in St. Louis, where she majored in Biology and graduated summa cum laude. She went on to attend the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, where she earned her MD in 1995.
Career
After completing her medical degree, Walensky completed her residency in Internal Medicine at Johns Hopkins Hospital. She then went on to complete a fellowship in Infectious Diseases at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. Throughout her career, she has focused on research related to HIV/AIDS, specifically the development of methods to improve access to HIV testing and treatment.
In 2017, Walensky was appointed as the Chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases at Massachusetts General Hospital. In this role, she led a team of researchers who worked to improve access to HIV care, particularly among underserved populations.
In December 2020, Walensky was appointed by President Joe Biden to serve as the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic has been widely praised, with many crediting her with implementing science-based policies that have helped to slow the spread of the virus.
Salary and Income
As the Director of the CDC, Rochelle Walensky's salary is set by the federal government. According to public records, her annual salary is $209,700. However, her position at the CDC likely comes with other benefits, such as health insurance and a retirement package.
Personal Life and Relationships
Despite her high-profile role in the public eye, Walensky is known for keeping her personal life private. She is married to a fellow physician, Loren Walensky, and the couple has two children. Loren Walensky is a professor of pediatrics at the Harvard Medical School and is also the co-founder of a biotech startup company.
In addition to her work in public health, Rochelle Walensky is also an avid runner and has completed several marathons. She has spoken publicly about the importance of physical activity and its impact on overall health.
Rochelle Walensky's career in public health has been marked by a commitment to improving access to care for underserved populations, particularly those affected by HIV/AIDS. Her appointment as the Director of the CDC during the COVID-19 pandemic has allowed her to utilize her expertise to help guide the country through one of its most challenging public health crises. Her salary as a federal employee is set by the government, and she is known for keeping her personal life private. Despite her busy schedule, she remains committed to maintaining a healthy lifestyle through physical activity.