Governor Ron DeSantis announced on Tuesday the appointment of Dr. Joseph A. Ladapo, MD, PhD, as the new Florida Surgeon General and Secretary of the Florida Department of Health.

DeSantis made the official announcement following today’s cabinet meeting in Tallahassee. Ladapo will succeed Scott Rivkees, who recently stepped down from his post to return to the University of Florida.

“I am pleased to announce that Dr. Joseph Ladapo will lead the Florida Department of Health as our state’s next Surgeon General,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Dr. Ladapo comes to us by way of the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA with a superb background. He has had both a remarkable academic and medical career with a strong emphasis in health policy research. Dr. Ladapo will bring great leadership to the Department of Health. I would also like to thank both Dr. Scott Rivkees and Dr. Shamarial Roberson for their hard work on behalf of all Floridians.”

Prior to joining UF, Ladapo served as an associate professor at the David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) caring for hospitalized patients. According to his bio, Ladapo’s research program focused on patient-centered approaches to help individuals combat coronary artery diseases and behavioral economics interventions to promote sustainable cardiovascular health.

He is a graduate of Wake Forest University, Dr. Ladapo also holds an MD from Harvard Medical School and a PhD in Health Policy from Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.

“I am honored to have been chosen by Governor DeSantis to serve as Florida’s next Surgeon General,” said Ladapo. “We must make health policy decisions rooted in data and not in fear. From California, I have observed the different approaches taken by governors across the country and I have been impressed by Governor DeSantis’ leadership and determination to ensure that Floridians are afforded all opportunities to maintain their health and wellness, while preserving their freedoms as Americans. It is a privilege to join his team and serve the people of Florida.”

Today, I appointed Dr. Joseph A. Ladapo, MD, PhD as Florida Surgeon General and Secretary of the Florida Department of Health. He has a remarkable academic and medical career, and will bring great leadership to @healthyFla. Watch: https://t.co/7b3KnwIpjI

— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) September 21, 2021