Tom Frieden

Date of Birth: December 7, 1960

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

Date of Death: [Leave blank if alive]

Biography

Dr. Thomas R. Frieden, commonly known as Tom Frieden, is an American physician and public health expert who has made significant contributions to public health both in the United States and internationally. He was born and raised in New York City, where his early interest in medicine and public health was sparked. Frieden received his undergraduate degree from Oberlin College and his medical degree from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. He also holds a Master of Public Health degree from Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health. Frieden began his career with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as an Epidemic Intelligence Service officer in 1990. He later became the Commissioner of the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene from 2002 to 2009, where he led numerous initiatives to combat smoking, trans fats, and infectious diseases. During his tenure, New York City saw a significant decrease in smoking rates and an improvement in public health standards. From 2009 to 2017, Frieden served as the Director of the CDC under President Barack Obama. During his leadership, he faced several public health challenges, including the H1N1 influenza pandemic, the Ebola outbreak, and the Zika virus. His tenure was marked by efforts to strengthen public health infrastructure and improve emergency response capabilities. After leaving the CDC, Frieden became the President and CEO of Resolve to Save Lives, an initiative of the global health organization Vital Strategies. The initiative aims to prevent epidemics and cardiovascular disease, focusing on improving public health systems worldwide.

5 Interesting Facts about Tom Frieden

1. Tom Frieden played a crucial role in reducing New York City’s adult smoking rate by 35% during his tenure as Health Commissioner.

2. He was instrumental in the creation and implementation of the National Public Health Action Plan to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance.

3. Frieden received the Public Health Hero Award from the American Public Health Association in 2017.

4. He has published over 200 scientific articles and has been a frequent contributor to public health policy discussions.

5. Under his leadership, the CDC successfully managed the response to the 2014 Ebola outbreak in West Africa, which involved deploying over 3,000 personnel.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Tom Frieden

1. “Public health is purchasable. Within a few years, we can see the results of our investments.”

2. “Infectious diseases know no borders, and public health is a global endeavor.”

3. “The best way to prevent outbreaks is to find them quickly and respond effectively.”

4. “Tobacco use is the single most preventable cause of death and disease.”

5. “Preparedness is the key to saving lives during public health emergencies.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Tom Frieden’s highest net worth is estimated to be around $1 million, accrued through his various roles in public health and his work with Resolve to Save Lives.

Children

Tom Frieden is married to Barbara Chang, and together they have two children, a son and a daughter. The family has kept their personal lives relatively private, focusing public attention on Frieden’s professional contributions to public health.