Deborah Birx

Deborah Birx has extensive work experience in various roles related to medical research and public health. Deborah began their career in 1980, serving as an Active Duty Reserve Officer and later as an Active Duty Regular Army member in the US Army. During this time, they also held roles at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center, specializing in Allergy/Immunology and undergoing fellowships in Diagnostic & Clinical Immunology and Allergy & Clinical Immunology.

In 1986, Birx transitioned to the National Institutes of Health, where they worked as an Investigator in Cellular Immunology until 1989. Following this, they moved to the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, holding multiple positions including Assistant Chief, Chief, Laboratory Director, and Director of the U.S. Military HIV Research Program.

In 2005, Birx joined the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as the Director of the Division of Global HIV/AIDS. In this role, they managed CDC's global HIV/AIDS activities, overseeing a budget of $2 billion and leading programs in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and Latin America. Deborah held this position until 2014 when they transitioned to the U.S. Department of State as the Ambassador at Large and U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator, responsible for implementing the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).

Birx's expertise in global health and infectious diseases led their to serve as the White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator in 2020, where they played a critical role in coordinating the nation's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Deborah also held concurrent roles as a Senior Fellow at the George W. Bush Presidential Center, a Medical and Science Advisor at ActivePure, and an Independent Board Director at Innoviva, starting in 2021.

Throughout their career, Deborah Birx has continually demonstrated their dedication to improving public health outcomes by leading and advising on initiatives related to HIV/AIDS, immunology research, and infectious disease response.

Deborah Birx began their education at Houghton University, where they pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and Mathematics. Deborah graduated with honors, receiving their degree Summa Cum Laude. Deborah then attended the Penn State College of Medicine, where they earned their Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree in 1980.

Following their medical education, Birx went on to obtain certifications in various specialties. In 1983, they became certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Two years later, in 1985, they obtained a certification in Allergy and Clinical Immunology from the American Board of Allergy and Immunology. Additionally, Birx has a certification in Clinical Laboratory Immunology, although specifics about the date of obtaining this certification are not provided.