Office of Medical Communications

Vermont Health Commissioner Mark Levine, M.D., professor of medicine and associate dean for graduate medical education at the Larner College of Medicine

(FEBRUARY 7, 2025) Vermont Health Commissioner Mark Levine, M.D., professor of medicine and associate dean for graduate medical education, is retiring from his role leading the Vermont Department of Health, effective at the end of March, Vermont Public reports. Levine, 71, of Shelburne, was appointed to the position in 2017.

During his tenure, Levine led the state’s response to COVID-19 and has been outspoken about reducing tobacco use, the opioid crisis, and suicide deaths. He has promoted vaccination through a home visiting program for newborns and social media campaigns. (A popular “Levine on a vaccine” post—a riff on the “Elf on a Shelf” meme—made waves.)

Before his role as commissioner, Levine was an internal medicine doctor at the University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington, where he counseled patients on how to lead healthier lives. He taught at the medical school and was a leader of the Vermont Medical Society and American College of Physicians.

“Dr. Levine has been a tremendous asset, to not only me, but the entire State of Vermont,” Gov. Phil Scott said in a press release announcing Levine’s retirement. Scott described Levine as even-keeled, thoughtful, and compassionate.

This story was also covered by the Barre–Montpelier Times Argus, Seven Days, and VTDigger