Jonathan Van Tam is stepping down as Deputy Chief Medical Officer

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Professor Sir Jonathan Van Tam, England’s deputy chief medical officer, has announced his resignation.

Prof Van Tam is set to return to the University of Nottingham’s School of Medicine and Health, where he has been on assignment since 2017, and is one of England’s most recognized and trusted medical professionals in the face of this pandemic.

He will continue to work with the government until the end of March.

According to the Times, the decision to leave the role has nothing to do with recent political events. However, JVT’s loss comes as another blow to Prime Minister Boris Johnson after a week in which he faced calls to resign for attending an illegal garden party in Downing Street in May 2020.

Professor Van Tam said it was a great honor to serve the British public during the pandemic, which he described as “the most difficult time” of his career.

“I would like to pay tribute to Professor Chris Whitty, the CMO team, and my fellow scientists, public health professionals and clinicians whose support, wisdom and energy have been such an inspiration,” he added.

Professor Van Tam, a regular face at government Covid briefings, has made a name for himself through his liberal use of metaphors, often football-themed, that have simply aided the audience’s complex scientific topics.

He was awarded the New Year’s Medal of Honor in recognition of his services to public health over the past two years.

Responding to Professor Van Tam’s departure, Health Minister Sajid Javid said: “It is a great honor to be working alongside Professor Sir Jonathan Van Tam and I am very grateful for his advice and guidance since I became a Health and Social Welfare Secretary.

“JVT’s unique approach to communicating science over the past two years has undoubtedly played a vital role in protecting and reassuring the nation, and has made it a national treasure.”

Professor Sir Chris Whitty said the JVT was an ‘distinguished’ Deputy Chief Medical Officer and government employee. “I am so grateful for his unwavering support, advice, leadership and commitment. His connection to public health advice and science has been fantastic.”

Former Health Secretary Matt Hancock, who worked alongside Professor Van Tam until his resignation in June 2021, described him as “one of the best public health planners in history”.

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