PHILADELPHIA—The Philadelphia Department of Public Health announces the appointment of Dr. Landrus Burress as their new Director of the Division of Disease Control.
Dr. Burress is an Air Force veteran and served as Chief of Public Health Operations for the Preventive Aerospace Medicine Division, US Air Force Central Command, 332nd Expeditionary Medical Group in Southwest Asia. In that role, he directed public health operations which included disease reporting and surveillance, communicable diseases, population health, occupational health, and public health emergency preparedness to maintain health for three global Southwest Asian
locations. In addition, Dr. Burress served as the Public Health Emergency Officer responsible for emergency preparedness capabilities and execution of responding to emerging disease, disease containment, and outbreak response. He also served as the Chief of Epidemiology & Field Support for the United States Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio, and as the Chief Public Health Officer and Infection Prevention and Control Officer for the United States Air Force, 5th Medical Group, Medical Operations at Minot AFB in North Dakota.
Dr. Burress most recently served as the Associate Director of Health Services/Chief of Clinical Operations at the University of Houston. In that capacity he managed all clinical and patient services operations. Prior to that, Dr. Burress served as the Senior Director of Health & Medical Services for West Chester University where he was responsible for all medical and health services operations.
Having been tasked with directing and managing the Health Department’s Division of Disease Control, Dr. Burress explains that “I hope to have a significant impact on the health and safety of Philadelphia residents. In this role, I will be responsible for
ensuring public health preparedness plans are in place as well as preventive health programs that improve the health and well-being of those who need it the most.” He says that “given the recent pandemic, it is essential that we are prepared to act when called upon. I know this will be a challenging role, but I am excited about working with the Philadelphia Health Department and with a talented team!”
“We are deeply grateful to have a skilled public health professional with Dr. Burress’ extensive background and leadership experience on board to head the Division of Disease Control,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Cheryl Bettigole. “Over the past few years, we have all come to understand how much we rely on DDC to keep us all
safe and healthy. I am confident in Dr. Burress’ ability to build on what we have learned over the past few years and to face future challenges with scientific expertise, leadership, and a focus on equity.”
Dr. Burress holds a Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) from the University of Texas School of Public Health, Houston, and a Master of Public Health (MPH) and a Master of Science (MS) from the University of Memphis.