Palm Bay Proud: Dave Weldon Appointed Director of the CDC

From Humble Beginnings in Palm Bay to Leading the Nation’s Health

Palm Bay, FL -- The residents of Palm Bay have a new reason to be proud. In an incredible career milestone, our very own Dr. Dave Weldon has been appointed by President-elect Donald Trump to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Weldon, known for his decades of dedicated service as both a physician and a congressman, now steps into a historic role to lead America's health initiatives.

A Career Rooted in Service and Dedication

Dave Weldon's story is a testament to hard work and service to the community. Born in Amityville, New York, Weldon pursued a career in medicine, graduating from SUNY Stony Brook School of Medicine in 1981. He completed his internship and residency at the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Jersey before joining the U.S. Army, where he served as a medical officer and achieved the rank of Major.

After leaving the Army, Weldon moved to Brevard County in the late 1980s, bringing his expertise in internal medicine to the community. He joined the Health First Medical Group, serving patients at their offices on Malabar Road right here in Palm Bay. His passion for helping others quickly made him a trusted figure, and his reputation as a caring and skilled internist grew, earning the trust of countless families in our community.

From Congress to Community Health

But Dave Weldon wasn't content with just practicing medicine. He was also driven to make a difference on a broader scale. He ran for Congress in 1994, representing Florida's District 15, which includes Palm Bay, and served for 14 years in the U.S. House of Representatives. During his time in Congress, Weldon became a respected conservative leader, especially known for his work on fiscal and social issues. He served on committees that allowed him to address health, budgetary, and accountability policies, focusing on ethical medical practices and fiscal responsibility. Weldon was also an advocate for medical ethics and was instrumental in championing legislation to prohibit human cloning and other unethical medical practices. He earned a reputation for his strong support of veterans, healthcare reform, and space exploration—critical issues for his district, which included the Kennedy Space Center.

After retiring from Congress in 2008, Weldon returned to practicing medicine, continuing to serve the Brevard County community. He also became involved in various health initiatives, including serving as a director for an organization focused on healthcare policy and taking an active role in promoting the importance of preventive medicine. Notably, Weldon helped establish local health programs aimed at diabetes prevention and cardiac health awareness, partnering with community organizations to provide free screenings and educational workshops. In 2012, Weldon briefly re-entered the political scene, running for the U.S. Senate, though he ultimately did not win the primary. His passion for healthcare never wavered, and he remained a vocal advocate for improving the medical field through transparency and innovation, including supporting telehealth initiatives to improve access to care in underserved areas.

A Voice for Ethical Medical Practices

In recent years, Weldon has been a frequent speaker on public health issues, advocating for transparency in federal health agencies and cautioning against overreach. His work with the CDC in the early 2000s, particularly his efforts to enact a ban on patents for human embryos, positioned him as a figure committed to ethical medical practices. Now, in 2024, his appointment as Director of the CDC marks the culmination of decades of dedication to both medicine and public service.

A Leader for Change at the CDC

In his acceptance remarks, President-elect Trump stated, “Americans have lost trust in the CDC and in our Federal Health Authorities, who have engaged in censorship, data manipulation, and misinformation. Given the current Chronic Health Crisis in our Country, the CDC must step up and correct past errors to focus on the Prevention of Disease.” This reflects Weldon’s mission to bring the values of integrity and competence back to the agency and restore trust in public health.

In highlighting Weldon's qualifications, President-elect Trump expressed confidence in his ability to lead. Trump further elaborated on why Weldon was the right choice, saying, "Dave will prioritize Transparency, Competence, and High Standards at CDC. Dave will proudly restore the CDC to its true purpose, and will work to end the Chronic Disease Epidemic, and Make America Healthy Again!"

Palm Bay's Own: A Lasting Legacy

Weldon's journey from Palm Bay to the halls of Congress and now to the CDC serves as a powerful reminder of the incredible achievements that can come from our community. For example, many residents still remember when Weldon led efforts to secure federal funding for local healthcare initiatives, which resulted in new equipment and expanded services at our local clinics. His commitment to improving healthcare in Palm Bay has had a lasting impact, making him a beloved figure in our city. Above all his achievements, Weldon is most proud of his role as a father of two and a husband of 45 years. He embodies the spirit of family and community values that Palm Bay residents take pride in, always emphasizing that his family remains his greatest accomplishment.

As he takes on this pivotal national role, the people of Palm Bay stand behind him, knowing that our city’s own Dr. Dave Weldon will represent the best of us—making decisions with compassion, wisdom, and integrity. We wish him success as he embarks on this new journey to improve public health nationwide.

For more updates on this story and how it may impact our community, visit The Palm Bayer.