College of Medicine alumna Amy Acton, M.D. (’90) has been named Woman of the Year for Ohio by USA Today.

Dr. Acton, who served as director of the Ohio Department of Health from February 2019 to June 2020, was recognized for her public health leadership in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. As the public face of Ohio’s pandemic response, Dr. Acton presented daily televised briefings with Governor Mike DeWine, presenting factual information about the virus as it became available as well as reassurance to the viewing audience.

As the article states, “During a March 22 news conference, Acton paused, looked at the camera and said ‘I am not afraid. I am determined.’ It was a moment that passed quickly but helped catapult Acton from a relatively obscure cabinet position into something of a folk hero throughout the state.”

Dr. Acton returned to NEOMED in September 2021 to receive an honorary degree from the University’s Board of Trustees, in recognition of her many accomplishments.

Read Meet Amy Acton, USA TODAY’s Woman of the Year for Ohio