Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has named Dr. Garth Walker, currently the chief medical officer for Rush Health, as his choice to lead the Chicago Department of Public Health, the mayor’s office confirmed.
Background and nomination
The nomination, announced Tuesday, places Walker — who began his medical career in Chicago, spent time working in Washington, D.C., and returned to his hometown — in line to become the city’s next public health commissioner if confirmed. A mayor’s office spokesperson also confirmed that former CDPH Commissioner Dr. Olusimbo Ige was asked to resign.
Experience and outlook
Walker currently serves as chief medical officer for Rush Health, a network that includes Rush University Medical Center. In interviews following the announcement, Walker described how his years as a clinician shaped his view of public health challenges, particularly the consequences of gun violence and the need for behavioral health services.
"I feel honored and privileged to, to be selected, and I'm looking forward to continuing this nomination," Walker said.
He recounted personal experience with violence while practicing emergency medicine, noting the 2018 shooting death of his friend, Dr. Tamara O'Neal, which occurred outside Mercy Hospital when he was working in the UChicago Medicine emergency room. That episode, Walker said, influenced his perspective on the intersection of clinical care, community trauma and prevention.
Policy priorities and scrutiny ahead
Walker told reporters he would consider steps to strengthen access to mental health services in neighborhoods that have lost clinics. He emphasized normalizing help-seeking and increasing visibility of professionals who use behavioral health care as part of routine well-being.
- Nominee: Dr. Garth Walker — chief medical officer, Rush Health
- Key issues he highlighted: gun violence impact; expanding mental health access
- Next steps: confirmation process and questions from alderpersons
Walker is expected to appear before city alderpersons and other municipal bodies where he will be asked to outline his priorities and concrete proposals for improving health care access and outcomes across Chicago neighborhoods. The mayor’s designation launches that review process, during which Walker must secure the support of the City Council.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Current role | Chief medical officer, Rush Health |
| Notable past work | Emergency physician experience in Chicago and Washington, D.C.; UChicago Medicine ER in 2018 |
| Confirmed mayoral action | Former commissioner Dr. Olusimbo Ige was asked to resign |
The nomination spotlights municipal health leadership amid ongoing urban health challenges, including behavioral health service availability and community safety. Walker’s clinical background and personal experiences are likely to shape his approach if he is confirmed, but alderpersons will have the opportunity to probe how his stated priorities would translate into policy and programs for Chicago residents.
