Dr. Leana Wen has resigned from her position as Baltimore City Health Commissioner to head the Planned Parenthood Federation of America. 

Wen will replace Cecile Richard who decided to step down from the position earlier this year.

NPR reports:

Wen was an emergency room physician before she transitioned to the world of public health. She will continue to serve as Baltimore’s health commissioner for one month before she departs, according to a statement from the city.

In her new role, Wen will also be the president of Planned Parenthood’s advocacy arm, which lobbies for reproductive health issues, including wider access to abortion.

As reported in The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore City Mayor Catherine Pugh will be immediately launching a national search to find a new health commissioner.

For more information:

Planned Parenthood Chooses Baltimore’s Health Commissioner As Its Next President (NPR)

Baltimore Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen to serve as new head of Planned Parenthood (The Baltimore Sun)