The latest news and top stories on Susan Monarez, the head of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. She was confirmed in her role by the US Senate on July 29, 2025, but fired by the Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr on August 27, 2025. She is challenging her firing. With a PhD in microbiology and immunology, she is the first CDC director without a medical degree. Her background includes roles at the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health and the Department of Homeland Security.