Rear Admiral (RADM) Betsy L. Thompson, MD, MSPH, DrPH, serves as Rear Admiral in the U.S. Public Health Service and the Director of the Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention at the CDC. In her current role, RADM Thompson provides public health leadership to improve cardiovascular health for all, and reduce the burden and eliminate disparities associated with heart disease and stroke. RADM Thompson held several positions in the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) prior to returning to CDC in 2018. RADM Thompson began her career in the Commissioned Corps as an Epidemic Intelligence Service Officer at CDC in 1991.

RADM Thompson has experience in many facets of health and health policy including serving as a primary care physician in underserved areas, Chief Medical Director for a non-profit health plan, and author of Colorado legislation providing first-dollar coverage for preventive services. Dr. Thompson is board certified in Internal Medicine and Preventive Medicine, holds a master’s in Public Health and a doctorate in Health Policy, and is a Fellow in the American College of Preventive Medicine.

Throughout her career, RADM Thompson has focused on the intersection of prevention policy and science, and has worked to improve access to and improve the quality of preventive services.