Governor Ron DeSantis has appointed Dr. Joseph A. Ladapo, MD, PhD, as Florida Surgeon General and Secretary of the Florida Department of Health.
Dr. Ladapo was born in Nigeria. He immigrated to the United States when he was 5 years old, along with his family, when his microbiologist father went to the country for further studies.
Dr. Ladapo was recently granted a professorship at the University of Florida (UF) College of Medicine. Before joining UF, he was an associate professor at the David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) caring for hospitalised patients. 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 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.”
“Dr. Joseph A. Ladapo is an excellent choice to serve as our next Surgeon General,” said Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez. “Dr. Ladapo has impeccable credentials and a strong vision to effectively serve the people of Florida at the helm of our public health agency. Through his service to our state, we will continue Florida’s work to advance our public health goals.”
“I am honoured to have been chosen by Governor DeSantis to serve as Florida’s next Surgeon General,” said Dr. Joseph A. 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.”
Ladapo is a physician and health policy researcher. His primary research interests include clinical trial interventions and reducing the population burden of cardiovascular disease
In his undergraduate days at Wake Forest University, Ladapo was a decathlete on the university’s varsity track and field team, serving as the team’s captain. Dr. Ladapo has a passion for mentoring middle and high school students, which he has done for much of his career.