Dr Allison Arwady Fired Chicago: Who is Allison Arwady? Why was Dr Allison Arwady Fired?
by Aishwarya R
Updated Aug 19, 2023
Who is Allison Arwady?
Dr. Allison Arwady, MD, MPH, is a prominent figure in the field of public health, having served as the Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH). Her career at CDPH began in 2015, where she initially held the position of Chief Medical Officer. With a strong background in medicine and public health, Dr. Arwady's expertise was recognized by the City Council when she was officially confirmed as Commissioner in January 2020.
In her role as Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Arwady played a pivotal role in overseeing various critical divisions, including disease control, environmental health, emergency preparedness, and behavioral health. Her extensive experience encompassed managing disease outbreaks, advocating for immunization, responding to tuberculosis cases, preventing lead poisoning, and addressing substance misuse issues, among other essential public health initiatives. Dr. Arwady's dedication to public health and her multifaceted contributions have made her a respected and influential figure in the Chicago public health landscape.
Dr Allison Arwady Fired Chicago
Dr. Allison Arwady, a highly respected expert in infectious diseases with degrees from prestigious universities, including Harvard, Yale, and Columbia, served as the Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) for nearly three and a half years. During her tenure, she held regular weekly question-and-answer sessions, providing crucial information and guidance to Chicagoans during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her calm and authoritative demeanor made her a trusted source of information during the crisis.
However, on a Tuesday, Chicago residents were met with disappointment when they learned that the weekly session, known as "AskDrArwady," had been abruptly canceled. This decision came as a result of Mayor Brandon Johnson fulfilling a campaign promise to fire Dr. Arwady, citing differing views on public health. The move sparked outrage and controversy, especially considering that it occurred three months after Mayor Johnson took office.
Dr. Arwady took to social media to announce her dismissal, expressing her disappointment at not having the opportunity to bid farewell to her team and the city she had guided through the pandemic. She emphasized the importance of public health decisions being based on science and medicine rather than politics. The decision to terminate her without a meeting or a chance to say goodbye was criticized by the editorial boards of prominent Chicago newspapers, including the Chicago Tribune and the Chicago Sun-Times. This controversy highlighted the challenges faced by the new administration as it navigates the ongoing pandemic and strives to define its vision for public health in Chicago.
Why was Dr Allison Arwady Fired?
The exact reasons for Dr. Allison Arwady's termination as the Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) appear to be somewhat unclear and have generated significant controversy. While Mayor Brandon Johnson did not provide specific details about the termination, it's suggested that differences in views on public health may have played a role in her dismissal.
One speculated factor in her termination is the disagreement with the Chicago Teachers Union regarding the reopening of schools in the fall and winter of 2020. Dr. Arwady's support for reopening schools during a time when the union expressed concerns about the safety of students, parents, and teachers due to the unchecked circulation of the virus before widespread vaccination could have contributed to her removal.
Despite the lack of a definitive explanation, Dr. Arwady has stated that she believes her termination might be linked to her commitment to data-driven decisions during the COVID-19 pandemic. She expressed pride in joining the ranks of public health leaders who lost their jobs for prioritizing science and data in their decision-making. The situation surrounding her termination remains complex, with various factors likely playing a role in this decision.
Who will Replace Dr Allison Arwady?
Fikirte Wagaw, who previously held the position of Deputy Commissioner under Dr. Allison Arwady's leadership, has assumed the role of Acting Commissioner. As the Acting Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH), Wagaw will temporarily fulfill the responsibilities of the commissioner's office. This appointment may serve as an interim measure until a permanent replacement is officially named, or it could potentially be a precursor to Wagaw's consideration for the permanent commissioner position.
The replacement for Dr. Allison Arwady as the Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) has not been officially named in the provided information. However, it is noted that Mayor Brandon Johnson will be responsible for selecting the new commissioner. The chosen candidate will have significant responsibilities, including implementing the mayor's public health agenda, overseeing the reopening of some public mental health clinics, expanding the alternate response program, and leading the city through the next phase of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This individual will also need to address emerging public health threats and navigate budget challenges faced by the department. As of the information provided, the specific individual chosen to replace Dr. Arwady has not been identified.
Allison Arwady Career Before CDPH
Before her tenure at the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH), Dr. Allison Arwady had a distinguished career path in the field of public health. She served as an Epidemic Intelligence Service officer at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In this role, Dr. Arwady specialized in outbreak response, showcasing her expertise and commitment to tackling infectious disease challenges. Her responsibilities extended to international arenas, where she actively contributed to efforts related to outbreaks like Ebola and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, demonstrating her global perspective and the significance of her work on a worldwide scale.
In addition to her work at the CDC, Dr. Arwady also lent her expertise to the Illinois Department of Public Health. During her time there, she played a vital role in responding to disease outbreaks across the state. Her experience in managing and containing disease outbreaks, whether at the national or local level, underscores her dedication to public health and her role as a highly accomplished professional in the field, making her a valuable asset to the healthcare community.
Allison Arwady Education and Service
Dr. Allison Arwady's educational background is as impressive as her career in public health. She holds a bachelor's degree from the prestigious Harvard University, showcasing her commitment to academic excellence from the very beginning of her journey. Her pursuit of higher education continued with a master's degree in public health from Columbia University, where she likely honed her skills in public health management and policy.
Not stopping there, Dr. Arwady completed her medical training at Yale University, a renowned institution known for its rigorous medical programs. Her dedication to healthcare is evident in her dual board certification as an internal medicine physician and pediatrician. Remarkably, despite her high-level administrative roles, Dr. Arwady continues to actively practice medicine, dedicating time each week to see primary care patients. This commitment to direct patient care underscores her genuine passion for the well-being of individuals and communities, making her a truly exceptional and well-rounded healthcare professional.
Dr Allison Arwady Fired Chicago - FAQs
Dr. Allison Arwady is a medical professional with expertise in infectious diseases who served as the Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH). She played a pivotal role in guiding the city's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr. Arwady's termination as CDPH Commissioner appears to be linked to differences in public health approaches and decision-making with the new Chicago Mayor, Brandon Johnson. Specific reasons for her dismissal, however, have not been clearly outlined.
While the exact reasons for her termination remain unclear, there is speculation that political factors and disagreements, particularly regarding the reopening of schools during the pandemic, may have contributed to her removal.
Dr. Arwady expressed disappointment at not being able to bid farewell to her team and the city she served during the pandemic. She emphasized the importance of public health decisions being driven by science and medicine rather than politics.
Fikirte Wagaw, who previously served as Dr. Arwady's deputy, has assumed the role of Acting Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Public Health following Dr. Arwady's termination.