"Eve Slater is a relentless advocate for the health and well-being of all Americans," Secretary Tommy G. Thompson said. "Her tireless work on building the issues of women's health, HIV/AIDS, reducing health disparities, vaccinations, patient safety, quality of health care and the use of information technology in health care reform will leave a lasting legacy at HHS."

President Bush nominated Dr. Slater to be assistant secretary for health in October 2001. The assistant secretary for health serves as the Secretary's primary advisor on matters involving the nation's public health and oversees HHS' U.S. Public Health Service (PHS) for the Secretary. The PHS is comprised of the eight health agency divisions of HHS and the Commissioned Corps, a uniformed service of more than 6,000 health professionals who serve at HHS and other federal agencies.

Prior to serving as assistant secretary for health, Dr. Slater was senior vice president for clinical and regulatory development of Merck Research Laboratories. Her responsibilities included worldwide regulatory affairs, over-the-counter product clinical development, Merck Research Laboratories, public affairs, outcomes research and late phase clinical leaders.

Dr. Slater held several positions with Merck Sharp & Dohme Research Laboratories beginning in 1982, including executive director of biochemistry and molecular biology and vice president for clinical and regulatory development.

Her medical career includes services as the chief of the Hypertension Unit at Massachusetts General from 1977 to 1982. Dr. Slater is a resident of New Jersey and a graduate of Vassar College and Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons.

Surgeon General Richard Carmona will be the acting assistant secretary for health while the search for a new assistant secretary takes place.