#USA #Public Health #ASTHO #Connecticut #Manisha Juthani

Manisha Juthani Takes the Helm as ASTHO President

On October 22, 2025, Dr. Manisha Juthani, currently serving as the Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Public Health, was announced as the 83rd president of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO). Dr. Juthani succeeds Scott Harris, MD, MPH, from Alabama, in this prestigious position aimed at enhancing public health initiatives across the country.

Having led Connecticut's health department during the tumultuous period of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Juthani has a robust background in public health, focusing on key areas such as maternal health, prevention of opioid misuse, and addressing sexually transmitted infections. Her tenure has been characterized by a strong push to revamp and strengthen public health systems, emphasizing the importance of recruiting and retaining qualified personnel while bolstering collaboration with local health departments.

Dr. Juthani expressed her deep respect for ASTHO, stating, "When I assumed the role of commissioner, I quickly realized the invaluable resource that ASTHO was to state health officials." She acknowledged the organization's support in providing updated public health information and facilitating connections to federal partners. Her new role as president will allow her to elevate the essential contributions public health makes towards community safety and wellness.

The ASTHO CEO, Dr. Joseph Kanter, noted Dr. Juthani's extensive experience and her commitment to advancing health outcomes. He emphasized that her innovative approach would be crucial in tackling the pressing health challenges that the nation faces today. Dr. Juthani’s career encompasses over twenty years in medicine and public health, with significant achievements including mentoring the next generation of infectious disease specialists, an area in which she has made notable impacts.

Her academic credentials include a BA from the University of Pennsylvania and an MD from Cornell University Medical College. Furthermore, she completed her residency in internal medicine at New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center. Following this, she pursued a fellowship in infectious diseases at Yale School of Medicine and joined its faculty in 2006, later becoming a respected professor of medicine.

Throughout her career, Dr. Juthani’s research has primarily focused on infections in older adults—particularly pneumonia prevention and antibiotic stewardship. Her work has received extensive recognition and has been featured in major media outlets such as The New York Times and CNN, showcasing her expertise and authority in the field.

Notably, Dr. Juthani made history in 2021 by becoming the first Indian American to serve as the chief health officer in Connecticut, further underlining her trailblazing role in public health leadership. As she takes on her new responsibilities at ASTHO, she will continue to advocate for meaningful public health reforms and support state officials as they work towards enhancing health outcomes for all residents.

In summary, Dr. Juthani's presidency marks a significant moment for ASTHO and public health in the U.S. Her leadership will be pivotal as the organization navigates through challenges and seeks to fortify the health infrastructure necessary for promoting wellness and safety in communities across the nation. With her at the helm, there is optimistic anticipation for initiatives that will further bolster state health agencies' capacity to address current and future public health crises effectively.