Khaldun is out; Bagdasarian is in as top doctor for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, according to an announcement from Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, or “Dr. J” as the Governor called her, became a household name in Michigan as she was often the bearer of unwelcome news throughout the pandemic. Khaldun would speak at news conferences about rising COVID rates and give the medical rationale for restrictions and shutdowns. Khaldun has accepted a new job elsewhere.
Whitmer praised Khaldun’s tenure with MDHHS, saying, “Thanks to Dr. J’s around-the-clock leadership, our state acted quickly with the best available data and science to slow the spread of COVID-19 and save countless lives during the pandemic.” She went on to say, “The state of Michigan and I are incredibly grateful for your service.”
Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian is the new medical executive for MDHHS. A Wayne State and U of M grad, she has a background in internal medicine and infectious diseases and was the Senior Public Health Physician with MDHHS. Bagdasarian starts the new job on October 1st.
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
