Professor Jonathan Van-Tam has been named as the new deputy chief medical officer for England.
Professor Van-Tam replaces Professor John Watson who is retiring after four years in the role.
Deputy chief medical officers are senior public health leaders who support the chief medical officer – the most senior adviser on health and medicine to the UK government.
Professor Van-Tam is an internationally recognised flu, vaccine and respiratory expert. During his 25-year career, he has advised the World Health Organization, the UK Government and The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control on influenza and other respiratory virus infections.
He said: “It is a great honour to be given the opportunity to serve as the deputy chief medical officer for England. I am looking forward to the work ahead with enormous enthusiasm.”
Professor Dame Sally Davies, chief medical officer, said: “I would like to congratulate Professor Van-Tam on his appointment. His track record speaks for itself; he will bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the role and I look forward to working closely with him.”
