Julie Gerberding, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), delivered
this year's commencement address at the UC Davis School of Medicine.
Gerberding, an internationally known infectious disease expert, played a key role in the CDC's response
to the anthrax bioterrorism events of 2001. Gerberding was chosen to head the CDC by Health and Human
Services Secretary Tommy Thompson in July 2002.
Gerberding's commencement address — "In Praise of Impertinent Questions" — delivered
a reminder to new doctors that asking and receiving tough questions is one of the profession's most critical
skills.
During the ceremony, the School of Medicine awarded 88 doctor of medicine degrees and nine master's of
public health degrees.
