NIH chief Dr. Francis Collins to step down
CBSN
Washington — Dr. Francis Collins, director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), will step down from his role at the agency by the end of the year, he announced Tuesday.
Collins, a physician-geneticist, took the helm of the health agency in 2009 and went on to serve three presidents of both political parties across his 12-year tenure. He is the longest-serving presidentially appointed director of the NIH, according to the agency.
Collins, 71, said in a statement he made the decision to resign in consultation with his wife and family. While calling it "an incredible privilege" to lead the NIH, he said he believes "that no single person should serve in the position for too long."
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