![]() |
Agnes BuzynFrench hematologist, immunologist and transplantologist
Date of Birth: 01.11.1962
Country: France |
Content:
- Agnès Buzyn: A Trailblazing Hematologist and Health Minister
- Education and Early Career
- Ascendancy in Hematology and Transplantation
- Leadership in Public Health
- Minister of Solidarity and Health
- COVID-19 Pandemic and the Pandemic Crisis
- Municipal Elections and Legal Challenges
- Personal Life
- Honors and Recognition
Agnès Buzyn: A Trailblazing Hematologist and Health Minister
Agnès Buzyn is a renowned French hematologist, immunologist, and transplant specialist. Her impressive career has spanned the fields of medicine, public health, and politics, culminating in her service as Minister of Solidarity and Health from 2017 to 2020.
Education and Early Career
Born in Paris in 1962, Buzyn completed her medical studies at the University of Paris Descartes. She then pursued her residency at the Necker Children's Hospital, establishing her expertise in hematology and bone marrow transplantation.
Ascendancy in Hematology and Transplantation
From 1998 to 2011, Buzyn led the Adult Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Department at the Necker Hospital. Her contributions to the field of transplantation were recognized when she became President of the Scientific Council of the French Society for Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cell Therapy from 2008 to 2011.
Leadership in Public Health
In 2011, Buzyn was appointed President of the National Cancer Institute (INCa). There, she played a pivotal role in cancer policy and research, advocating for improved patient care and disease prevention.
From 2016 to 2017, she served as Chair of the Board of the Higher Authority for Health (HAS), an independent body responsible for assessing the quality and safety of health care in France.
Minister of Solidarity and Health
In 2017, Buzyn made history when she became the French Minister of Solidarity and Health. Her tenure was marked by ambitious initiatives, including:
Expanding the mandatory vaccination schedule for children to 11 vaccinations, including Hepatitis B.
Raising the price of a pack of cigarettes to 10 euros as part of an anti-smoking campaign.
Removing homeopathic treatments from the national health insurance system.
COVID-19 Pandemic and the Pandemic Crisis
Buzyn's time as Minister of Health coincided with the global COVID-19 pandemic. In January 2020, she announced the first cases of the virus in France, initiating public health measures to contain its spread.
In February 2020, she announced the first COVID-19-related death in Europe. Her resignation and subsequent candidacy in the Paris municipal elections followed shortly after.
Municipal Elections and Legal Challenges
Buzyn's bid for Mayor of Paris in the 2020 municipal elections ended in defeat. However, her performance earned her a seat on the Paris City Council and the 17th District Council.
A lawsuit was filed against Buzyn and Prime Minister Philippe in March 2020, accusing them of mishandling the COVID-19 pandemic. The Court of Justice of the Republic later opened an investigation into Buzyn's actions.
Personal Life
Buzyn comes from a family with a remarkable history. Her father survived the Holocaust, and her mother was a child psychologist and psychoanalyst.
She is married to Yves Lévy, General Director of the National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM). Their relationship raised conflict of interest concerns after Buzyn's appointment as Minister of Health.
Honors and Recognition
Buzyn's achievements have been widely recognized:Knight of the Order of Merit (2009)
Knight of the National Order of the Legion of Honour (2021)
![]() Hans Eppinger | ![]() Agnes Buzyn |

France
