A journey which really began before he was born – when his father left India for America – has led Dr. Sameer Vohra to be Gov. JB Pritzker’s nominee to be director of the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Vohra grew up in Chicago and, eventually developing an interest in rural health, became founding chair of the Office of Population Science and Policy at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in Springfield.
“Ensuring public health requires a partnership with individuals, families, and communities across Illinois,” Vohra said Thursday. “I look forward to collaborating with other state agencies, Gov. Pritzker’s office, and the General Assembly. I will carry on the Department of Public Health’s mission to be an advocate and partner with the people of Illinois, to re-envision health policy, prevent and protect against disease and injury, promote health equity, and prepare for health emergencies.”
Vohra’s appointment requires Illinois Senate confirmation.