Dr. Ashwin Vasan, the Commissioner of the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, has revealed that he will step down from his position in early January 2025, marking the end of a nearly three-year tenure that has been both challenging and rewarding.

“It has truly been the honor of my lifetime to serve the city I love, where I started and raised a family for nearly 15 years, and to be your Health Commissioner, the city’s doctor to 8.3 million fellow New Yorkers,” Dr. Vasan expressed with deep gratitude.

He thanked Mayor Adams, Deputy Mayor Anne Williams-Isom, and the entire administration for their support and collaboration during his time in office.

Reflecting on his decision to leave, Dr. Vasan acknowledged the sacrifices made by his family.

“As anyone with a family—or a chosen family—knows, you are never alone in service. My wife and three young children have served alongside me, bearing the brunt of my absence and shouldering so much. I’m grateful for their love and have chosen that now it is time to support them and their wellbeing. While this was a hard decision, it was the right one for me and my family,” he said.

Dr. Vasan emphasized his commitment to continuing his work in the health sector. “I also look forward to continuing my clinical work and teaching, while supporting initiatives to advance health, equity, and access across this city and this nation.”

Since his appointment in December 2021, Dr. Vasan has navigated unprecedented challenges, including the devastating Omicron variant of COVID-19, the mpox outbreak, and New York’s first case of polio in a decade.

“At the Department of Health, we took those challenges—and so many others—head on, even diseases that many haven’t heard of, because that is the work of preventing public health issues before they occur,” he remarked.

Under his leadership, the department has made significant strides in public health initiatives.

“We have accomplished so much in the past few years, from leading the city out of the pandemic and a period of crisis, to heralding a new era of public health,” he added.

Dr. Vasan highlighted several key achievements, including the launch of the HealthyNYC agenda, the Abortion Access Hub hotline, and mental health investments like the 988 crisis hotline and NYCTeenspace, a free counseling service for teens aged 13-17.

“Alongside our work to protect young people from the harmful effects of social media, as well as relieve New Yorkers of $2 billion in medical debt, I am so proud of what we have accomplished together,” he stated.

As he prepares to hand over the reins, Dr. Vasan expressed his admiration for the nearly 7,000 staff members at the Department of Health.

“It’s been an honor to be a steward of their trust, and an even bigger honor to call them colleagues and friends. I know they will continue to fight for health, equity, and justice for all New Yorkers,” he declared.

Vasan reflected on his time in office: “Serving as the New York City Health Commissioner is perhaps the best job anywhere in public health. It’s a privilege that I will cherish for the rest of my life. I am confident that Mayor Adams and Deputy Mayor Williams-Isom will continue to lead the nation in protecting public health.”

Together, he affirmed, they have “reshaped public health in New York City for the future.”