The Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) has tapped Jeanne Marrazzo, MD, MPH, as its next chief executive officer (CEO), which some observers in the scientific community hail as a bold move that signals the society’s willingness to push back against the Trump administration’s perceived attempts to muzzle academics and health professionals who defy it.

“Her appointment marks a pivotal moment for IDSA as the field continues to face rapidly evolving challenges, emerging pathogens and increasing demands on the nation’s health system infrastructure,” IDSA said in a news release late last week.

Marrazzo ‘superb choice’

Marrazzo, who begins her IDSA tenure on January 12, was director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) until she was fired earlier this year because of what she said was speaking out against risky public health policies. Earlier this month, she sued the Trump administration, saying she was ousted because she filed a whistleblower complaint against its efforts to undermine vaccines and defund research.

At NIAID, Marrazzo replaced Anthony Fauci, MD, who stepped down from the position in late 2022 after serving as former US President Joe Biden’s chief medical advisor. 

Fauci, who joined Georgetown University as a distinguished professor in 2023, told CIDRAP News that Marrazzo is a “superb choice” for IDSA CEO. “Dr. Marrazzo is an internationally recognized and admired physician/scientist who has made major contributions to the field of infectious diseases,” he said. “The field of infectious diseases will benefit greatly in having Dr. Marrazzo in this position.”