NVAC Member: Debra Blog, M.D.

 

Since January 2012, Dr. Blog has been the Director of the Division of Epidemiology. The division's mission is to use sound scientific practices and principles to protect the health of all New Yorkers. Through disease surveillance, expert technical assistance, collaborations with local health departments and health care professionals, and by sharing expertise, epidemiologic information, and knowledge the division confronts a variety of new and emerging communicable diseases found in the state. The division is composed of four bureaus and a Statistical Unit. The bureaus include Communicable Disease Control, Tuberculosis Control, Immunization, and Healthcare Associated Infections. Prior to joining the Division, Dr. Blog worked in the NYSDOH Bureau of Immunization for seven years as the Medical Director, becoming the Bureau Director in 2009. The Bureau of Immunization's mission is to reduce morbidity and mortality from vaccine preventable diseases (VPDs), in people of all ages, through strategies that prevent VPDs and reduce transmission.  The Bureau works to achieve a vision to eliminate vaccine preventable diseases through a diverse set of initiatives that are administered by five program areas.  The Bureau also works with a vast network of both public and private contacts to provide statewide leadership to improve vaccine delivery and increase immunization rates.  

 

Dr. Blog attended the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, graduated in 1988 and completed a pediatric residency at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, NY, then a Cornell affiliate, in 1991.  She went on to work as a general pediatrician for 10 years in Denver, Colorado and Chicago. She completed a residency in preventive medicine and an MPH in 2002. The residency is affiliated with the State University at Albany School of Public Health and the New York State Department of Health.  Her experience and education has given her a strong background and understanding of core epidemiologic concepts to apply to the field of public health and immunizations.