Dr. Jay Varma: A Profile

Dr. Jay Varma is a renowned physician executive and epidemiologist who has dedicated his career to improving public health and saving lives. With a distinguished record of leading large health systems, managing complex emergencies, conducting high-impact research studies, and developing local, national, and global policies, Dr. Varma has earned a reputation as a visionary leader in the field of public health.
Born and raised in New York City, Dr. Varma graduated from Harvard University and the Harvard School of Public Health. He began his career as a medical officer at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), where he played a key role in the agency's response to the 2009 H1N1 pandemic.
In 2011, Dr. Varma joined the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene as the Deputy Commissioner for Disease Control. In this role, he oversaw the city's response to the 2012 Hurricane Sandy and the 2014 Ebola outbreak. He also developed and implemented innovative programs to improve the health of New Yorkers, including the city's first-ever public health emergency preparedness plan.
In 2017, Dr. Varma was appointed as the Commissioner of the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. As Commissioner, he led the city's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, implementing aggressive measures to contain the spread of the virus and protect the health of New Yorkers. Dr. Varma's leadership during the pandemic was widely praised for its effectiveness and transparency.
In 2023, Dr. Varma stepped down as Commissioner and joined SIGA Technologies as the Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer. In this role, he is responsible for leading the company's research and development efforts and developing new treatments for infectious diseases.
Throughout his career, Dr. Varma has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to public health. He is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians and the Infectious Diseases Society of America, and he has served on numerous advisory boards and committees, including the National Institutes of Health and the World Health Organization.
Dr. Varma is a passionate advocate for public health, and he believes that everyone deserves access to quality health care. He is a strong supporter of evidence-based policymaking and he is committed to working with communities to improve their health.