Dr. James Schmitt retired on June 30 after 38 years working with the NIH. For 31 years, Dr. Schmitt has served as Medical Director for the NIH Occupational Medical Service (OMS). Other positions held include Staff Physician and Senior Staff Physician in OMS. As the OMS Medical Director, Dr. Schmitt established operational priorities for OMS, and developed, implemented and adjusted work-related medical and counseling services to meet the evolving needs of the NIH workforce.

Dr. Schmitt is responsible for establishing the first postexposure chemoprophylaxis program for HIV-1 exposures in the nation. He also developed the first standardized approach for evaluating and treating workers for potential exposures to B virus. Other career highlights include designing the medical portion of the NIH biological surety program, and revamping OMS operations to provide support for the NIH community during the COVID epidemic.

Upon retirement, Dr. Schmitt has plans to travel nationally and internationally (when the pandemic subsides), spend time with grandkids and extended family, and complete a long list of woodworking projects and consulting. He says he will miss patient care responsibilities, daily interactions with the amazing OMS and NIH staff, an incredible variety of clinical and administrative challenges, and being involved in supporting the NIH mission.