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SC DHEC names interim public health director after former chief steps down

State - 9/11/2020

Sep. 11--COLUMBIA, S.C. -- South Carolina's public health department on Friday announced that Dr. Brannon Traxler, the chief medical officer for the state Department of Health and Environmental Control will take the role of new interim public health director after its previous director stepped down Thursday.

DHEC's acting director Marshall Taylor told reporters Thursday Dr. Joan Duwve, who took the role as public health director in April amid the state's COVID-19 case surge, was leaving to take the role as health director in her home state of Ohio.

The news was tweeted by Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine on Thursday afternoon. Yet, hours later, DeWine tweeted Duwve withdrew.

"Understandably, Joan has made a career decision that she feels is in the best interest of her family and we respect this decision," Taylor said in a statement Friday. "Joan is a brilliant physician who is passionate about public health and we greatly appreciate the time she spent with DHEC as our director of public health. We wish her the best of luck in her future endeavors."

Traxler will take the role effective immediately.

DHEC said Duwve will stay with the agency in an advisory role until Oct. 1.

"I have the utmost confidence in Brannon's ability to lead the state's public health efforts during these challenging times," Taylor said. "Brannon's breadth of experience and knowledge in medical practice as a surgeon as well as the Chief Medical Officer for the state's COVID-19 response, uniquely positions her for this critical role and I look forward to our continued work together."

This story will be updated.

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