Letter to Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.
Dear Mr. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.,
Congratulations on your new position as Health Director of the United States. Your leadership is a beacon of hope for many, and I am confident that you will bring transformative improvements to our nation's health and well-being. I am writing to share my experiences and insights as a dermatologist, a professor at Columbia University, and an innovator in infection control, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. I believe this knowledge can contribute to proactive measures in preparing for future public health challenges.
When the COVID-19 pandemic struck in March 2020, I faced the daunting challenge of keeping my dermatology practice open while ensuring the safety of my staff and patients. Drawing on my training in infection control, I took deliberate, science-based actions to prevent panic and prioritize effective measures. One of the key strategies I implemented was the installation of a UVC air filtration system, which I had designed to reduce viral transmissibility between individuals.
Despite working continuously throughout the pandemic—testing COVID-19 patients, treating dermatological conditions, and maintaining in-office operations—our practice did not experience any cases of intra-office transmission. While some staff members contracted COVID-19 from external sources, such as public transportation or family members, the UVC system ensured that no one in the office environment infected others, even in shared spaces like the lunchroom. This success highlights the system's effectiveness as a preventive measure.
This experience underscores an important point: we must not wait for the next viral outbreak to react. Instead, we need to proactively invest in infrastructure and technology to mitigate airborne infections. The lessons from history provide a clear analogy. In 1908, the introduction of large-scale water filtration and chlorination in New Jersey marked a turning point in the fight against the typhoid pandemic. At the time, the United States faced a staggering 100 cases of typhoid fever per 100,000 people annually. By 1920, this number had plummeted to 34 per 100,000, and today, typhoid fever in the U.S. is virtually nonexistent, with only 353 cases reported annually, primarily among travelers from other countries. The U.S. set an example for the world by overhauling its water systems, effectively eradicating a major public health threat.
Just as the water filtration system revolutionized public health in the early 20th century, we now have the opportunity to revolutionize air quality using modern technologies like UVC. The science behind UVC is well-established, and its potential to reduce airborne pathogens is immense. My own practice serves as a microcosm of what could be achieved on a larger scale. The UVC system I installed worked far better than vaccines in preventing intra-office transmission—a fact I can attest to personally, as I contracted COVID-19 from my son at home, where I had not installed the system.
The technology is available and ready to be deployed. By integrating UVC systems into public spaces, schools, healthcare facilities, and other high-risk environments, we can dramatically reduce the spread of airborne infections and improve overall public health. This initiative would position the United States as a global leader in air quality and infection control, just as it once led the world in water sanitation.
I would be honored to demonstrate the system I used or provide any additional information to support this effort. The data and resources are readily available for anyone who wishes to explore this further. Proactively addressing airborne infections is not just a necessity; it is an opportunity to safeguard our nation's health for generations to come.
Mr. Kennedy, I am so proud and happy to see you in this pivotal role, and I am confident that your leadership, together with the vision of President Trump, will make not only our country but also our health great again. May God bless America and the patriots who are fighting for its health and longevity.
Sincerely,
Eyal K. Levit, MD, FAAD, FACMS
Associate Professor of Clinical Dermatology Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center. Adjunct Associate Professor of Dermatology Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Director ASDS approved Fellowship Brooklyn, New York.