Governor JB Pritzker's pick for Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health has SIU ties.
Pritzker named Dr. Sameer Vohra the new IDPH director in an announcement on Tuesday. Vohra is currently the Chair of the SIU School of Medicine's Department of Population Science and Policy.
Vohra will take over for Dr. Ngoze Ezike, who left the post for another position earlier this year. Governor Pritzker calls Vohra a visionary leader.
"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."
Vohra's training is in pediatric medicine. As Chair of Population Science and Policy, his focus was taking research and social data and turning it into areas of priority for service and health initiatives across central and southern Illinois.
“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."
Vohra has experience with IDPH already - he serves on the Illinois State Board of Health. He also is on the Medicaid Advisory Committee and the Governor's Rural Affairs Council.
