Daily Herald interviews IDPH Director
Friday, Jun 11, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Excerpt from Jake Griffin’s Q&A with Dr. Ezike…
Q. Did you ever think of handing over the department to someone who specialized in epidemiology or virology?
A. For this whole experience there are so many skill sets that are required. I would love to see that superhuman who is a specialist in everything, but I think my role was to be able to quickly and efficiently gather all of the important information from all the different groups of specialists … and be able to make sure we had an effective, unified plan going forward and to be a spokesperson in terms of communicating all of these important plans to our many stakeholders. […]
Q. What does your future at IDPH look like?
A. You know I have been absolutely honored to serve in this role. I’m so grateful to have been at the helm (of IDPH) during this incredible global effort. I have put everything I have into this role. Many people have been in similar roles around the country and have been asked to leave, or forced out or had to leave for security reasons. I’ve been fortunate to be in this role for the past two-plus years and I am grateful for every day I can say that. I will continue to give my 150% until I’m not in the role anymore.
Go read the rest.
- Tj - Friday, Jun 11, 21 @ 3:42 am:
Dr Ezike handled the pandemic in a professional, compassionate manner.
- Cheryl44 - Friday, Jun 11, 21 @ 7:40 am:
We are so lucky Dr Exile was in charge here. I hope she gets to take a long vacation soon.
- Back to the Future - Friday, Jun 11, 21 @ 8:34 am:
She has done a great job under very difficult circumstances.
- Oxfordian - Friday, Jun 11, 21 @ 9:05 am:
Dr. Ezike is a class act. We are lucky to have her.
- Scott Fawell's Cellmate - Friday, Jun 11, 21 @ 9:29 am:
Dr. Ezike,
You drink free forever.
Best,
Illinois
- Sangamo Girl - Friday, Jun 11, 21 @ 9:34 am:
Congrats to Dr. Ezike for being selected as the Knox College 2021 commencement speaker. She is in stellar company as past commencement addresses have been given by Bill Clinton, Steven Colbert, Madeline Albright, Ed Helms, Bill Whitaker, Eva Longoria, and an up-and-coming Senator named Barack Obama.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Jun 11, 21 @ 9:44 am:
Illinois owes you a big debt of gratitude, Dr. Ezike.
Thank you.
A real hero of our state.
- Steve Polite - Friday, Jun 11, 21 @ 9:45 am:
Dr. Ezike,
From the bottom of my heart, I offer my most sincere and deepest gratitude on behalf of myself and my family for your leading role in Illinois during the global pandemic health crisis. I also offer the same to all those at the IDPH and the local public health facilities, especially to my home county, Sangamon County Department of Public Health, who all worked so hard to help bring the pandemic under control. We’re not quite there yet, but I am hopeful we will be soon.
With a most grateful heart, thank you all.
Steve Polite
- Bob Meter - Friday, Jun 11, 21 @ 10:10 am:
Thank you for your public service.
- Cool Papa Bell - Friday, Jun 11, 21 @ 10:13 am:
I hope the Doctor stays for as long as she chooses.
I see no reason for her to go anywhere.
Her grace and empathy during these times has been so welcome.
- Siriously - Friday, Jun 11, 21 @ 10:23 am:
No, did you ever think of handing over your beat to someone who specializes in journalism ?
- Mama - Friday, Jun 11, 21 @ 12:38 pm:
Dr. Ezike, thank you for caring about the people in Illinois. And thank you for your dedication to keeping us all safe. I hope you stay in your current job for a very long time. Illinois needs more quality people like you.