NY Health Commissioner Dr. Mary Bassett stepping down after just 13 months
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New York State Health Commissioner Dr. Mary Bassett is stepping down after just 13 months on the job.
Bassett became health commissioner on Dec. 1, 2021, after Dr. Howard Zucker resigned amid scandal in the Cuomo administration.
Bassett says the decision to step down was a difficult one.
“I have tremendous admiration for the work our staff has done during a very difficult year responding to covid, mpox, polio and the day-to-day challenges of protecting New Yorkers’ health,” said Bassett in a statement.
“I am leaving now so the next commissioner can have the chance to lead this great department for a full four-year term under the leadership of gov. Hochul.”
In this image from video provided by the New York Office of the Governor, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, right, listens as New state Health Commissioner Mary Bassett speaks during a news briefing, in New York, Thursday, Dec. 2, 2021. (New York Office of the Governor via AP)
Bassett says she plans to move back to Massachusetts and return to the Harvard Chan School of Public Health.