DHS taps doc to lead science division

President Bush wants the Homeland Security Department’s chief medical officer to serve as the temporary leader of its science and research division, the White House announced yesterday.

Dr. Jeffrey Runge will take over for Charles McQueary, who resigned earlier this month, as acting undersecretary of the Science and Technology Directorate. Runge will hold both positions concurrently.

Runge was appointed DHS’ first chief medical officer last July. DHS Secretary Michael Chertoff created the position as part of a reorganization of the department to help address biological and chemical terrorism issues.