Dr. Nancy Snyderman Out at NBC News

By Brian Flood 

NBC News chief medical editor Dr. Nancy Snyderman is leaving the network.

Snyderman announced today that she is leaving NBC News to take a faculty position at a medical school. Snyderman made headlines last year when she violated her quarantine after possible exposure to Ebola. She apologized on the “Today” show after a prolonged absence from the network.

Snyderman issued the following statement:

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I stepped out of the OR a few years ago and it is now time for me to return to my roots, so I am stepping down from my position as Chief Medical Editor at NBC News. Covering the Ebola epidemic last fall in Liberia, and then becoming part of the story upon my return to the U.S., contributed to my decision that now is the time to return to academic medicine. I will be shortly taking up a faculty position at a major U.S. medical school.  More needs to be done to communicate medicine and science to our viewers and citizens, especially in times of crisis, and with my experiences in the field and on air, that is going to be a priority for me.

“I have loved my nine years at NBC and I am proud of the work my team has done.  Very few people get the chance to combine two professions and I have appreciated the chance to inform the public about medical updates and the plight of so many in other countries.   Every moment has been an honor.

An NBC spokesperson issued the following statement:

Throughout her career with NBC News, Dr. Nancy Snyderman has provided her expertise on countless health and medical topics that are vitally important to our audience. She’s been a valuable voice both on air and in our newsroom, and we wish her all the best.

When Snyderman missed time surrounding the Ebola quarantine-turned-controversy, Dr. Natalie Azar filled in with appearances on Nightly News” and the “Today” show. NBC has not announced if Azar will be a permanent replacement.

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