History of Rachel Levine in Timeline

Rachel Leland Levine is a renowned American pediatrician who assumed the role of the United States Assistant Secretary for Health on March 26, 2021. Her distinguished career also includes holding the rank of admiral in the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps.

October 28, 1957: Birth of Rachel Levine

Rachel Leland Levine was born on October 28, 1957. This marks the beginning of her life and journey.

1988: Marriage to Martha Peaslee Levine

Rachel Levine married Martha Peaslee Levine in 1988 during her final year of medical school.

1993: Move to Central Pennsylvania and Career at Penn State

In 1993, Levine moved to central Pennsylvania and began her influential career at Penn State College of Medicine and Penn State Hershey Medical Center, establishing key programs in adolescent medicine and eating disorders.

2011: Gender Transition

In 2011, Levine publicly transitioned from male to female, a significant personal event in her life.

2013: Divorce

In 2013, Rachel Levine and Martha Peaslee Levine divorced.

2015: Appointment as Pennsylvania Physician General

In 2015, Levine was appointed as the Pennsylvania Physician General, marking a significant step in her career in public health.

July 2017: Confirmation as Secretary of Health

In July 2017, Levine's appointment as Secretary of Health was unanimously confirmed by the Pennsylvania State Senate, solidifying her role in leading the state's health department.

2017: Appointment as Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Health

Rachel Levine's career reached new heights in 2017 when she was appointed as the Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

March 18, 2020: Directive on Nursing Home Admissions During COVID-19

On March 18, 2020, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Levine issued a directive requiring Pennsylvania nursing homes to admit new patients, including those recovering from the virus, a decision that sparked debate and criticism.

May 2020: Scrutiny Over Mother's Nursing Home Move

In May 2020, Levine faced scrutiny when she moved her own mother out of a nursing home during the COVID-19 pandemic, a decision she defended as her mother's choice and within her rights.

2020: Leadership During COVID-19 Pandemic

Throughout 2020, Levine played a crucial role in leading Pennsylvania's public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic, working closely with FEMA and providing regular press briefings.

January 23, 2021: End of Tenure as Pennsylvania Secretary of Health

January 23, 2021 marked the end of Levine's tenure as the Pennsylvania Secretary of Health, concluding her service during the challenging COVID-19 pandemic.

February 13, 2021: Nomination as Assistant Secretary for Health

President Joe Biden formally nominated Levine for the position of Assistant Secretary for Health on February 13, 2021, marking a historic moment in LGBTQ+ representation in government.

March 26, 2021: Appointment as Assistant Secretary for Health

On March 26, 2021, Rachel Levine was sworn in as the United States Assistant Secretary for Health, a significant milestone in her career.

October 19, 2021: First Openly Transgender Four-Star Officer

On October 19, 2021, Levine achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first openly transgender four-star officer in the history of the United States uniformed services.

April 2022: Criticism of Discriminatory Laws Affecting LGBTQ+ Youth

During a speech in April 2022, Levine spoke out against discriminatory laws and actions targeting LGBTQ+ youth, particularly criticizing legislation in Florida and Texas.