Governor Ron DeSantis Announces Dr. Joseph A. Ladapo as Florida Surgeon General (2024)

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointment of Dr. Joseph A. Ladapo, MD, PhD, as Florida Surgeon General and Secretary of the Florida Department of Health.

Dr. Ladapo was recently granted a professorship at the University of Florida (UF) College of Medicine. Prior to joining UF, he served as an associate professor at the David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) caring for hospitalized 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 honored 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.”

Joseph A. Ladapo, MD, PhD

Joseph A. Ladapo, MD, PhD, is a physician and health policy researcher whose primary research interests include clinical trial interventions and reducing the population burden of cardiovascular disease. Dr. Ladapo was recently granted a professorship at the University of Florida (UF) College of Medicine. Prior to joining UF, he was an Associate Professor at the David Geffen School of Medicine caring for hospitalized patients. Previously, he served as a faculty member in the Department of Population Health at NYU School of Medicine and as a Staff Fellow at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Dr. Ladapo’s research program, funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, and the National Institute on Drug Abuse, focuses on patient-centered approaches to improving the health of individuals evaluated for coronary artery disease; and behavioral economic interventions to promote sustainable cardiovascular health, including among adults with HIV. He also leads the health economic and quality of life evaluation of multiple NIH-funded randomized trials focused on cardiovascular disease and tobacco cessation. His national honors include the Daniel Ford Award for health services and outcomes research, and he was also a regular columnist for the Harvard Focus during medical school and residency, where he discussed his experiences on the medical wards and perspectives on health policy issues.

Dr. Ladapo graduated from Wake Forest University and received his MD from Harvard Medical School and his PhD in Health Policy from Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. He completed his clinical training in internal medicine at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.

Dr. Ladapo was born in Nigeria. He immigrated to the United States when he was 5 years old, along with his family, as his father, a microbiologist, came to the country to continue his studies.

During his time at Wake Forest University, Dr. 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.

Dr. Ladapo and his wife have three young children.

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Governor Ron DeSantis Announces Dr. Joseph A. Ladapo as Florida Surgeon General (2024)

FAQs

How much does the Surgeon General of Florida make a year? ›

Ladapo will make $437,000 a year. Here's how that breaks down. The University of Florida College of Medicine announced it would pay Ladapo a base salary per year of $262,000 as a professor of general internal medicine.

What is the role of the Surgeon General in Florida? ›

The Surgeon General's role is to be the state's leading advocate for wellness and disease prevention. The State Surgeon General, who serves as the State Health Officer and is directly appointed by Florida's Governor, and confirmed by the Florida Senate.

Is the Surgeon General of Florida a Republican? ›

By: Mitch Perry - May 4, 2023 1:04 pm. The GOP-controlled Florida Senate on Thursday confirmed Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo for another term as the state's top doctor, though all Democrats in the Senate voted against Ladapo.

Why is the Surgeon General an admiral? ›

As Vice Admiral of the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, the Surgeon General oversees the operations of the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps (USPHS), an elite group of over 6,000 uniformed officers working throughout the federal government whose mission is to protect, promote, and advance the ...

What is the highest paid surgeon in the world? ›

Neurosurgeons are the highest paid physician specialists, earning an average of $788,313 annually, according to Doximity's "2023 Physician Compensation Report." The results were drawn from survey responses from 190,000 physicians over the last six years, including 31,000 in 2022.

What is the highest paid surgeon per year? ›

Neurosurgery. Neurosurgery is the highest-paying medical job in the US. That's hardly surprising, seeing that neurosurgeons are also the most trained medical staff. They study for at least 15 years to gain extensive expertise in the nervous system, spinal cord, and brain.

Does the surgeon general have to be a doctor? ›

The surgeon general must be appointed from individuals who are members of the regular corps of the U.S. Public Health Service and have specialized training or significant experience in public health programs.

How many states have surgeon generals? ›

To date, only five states have created such a post, and only four still have it, as Michigan has not filled the position since 2010.

Does the COVID vaccine affect bones? ›

Many orthopaedic patients have questions about how the COVID-19 vaccine might impact their bones and joints. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) has recently stated that the benefits of the COVID-19 vaccine strongly outweigh the orthopaedic risks.

Who will be the US surgeon general under Biden? ›

Vivek Murthy
Incumbent
Assumed office March 25, 2021
PresidentJoe Biden
DeputyErica Schwartz Denise Hinton
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Is the Surgeon General actually a general? ›

The post is held by the senior of the three individual service medical directors and carries the rank of vice admiral, lieutenant general, or air marshal.

Who governs doctors in Florida? ›

The Florida Board of Medicine, through efficient and dedicated organization, will license, monitor, discipline, educate, and when appropriate, rehabilitate physicians and other practitioners to ensure their fitness and competence in the service of the people of Florida.

Who is the highest ranking doctor in the United States? ›

The U.S. Surgeon General is the Nation's Doctor, providing Americans with the best scientific information available on how to improve their health and reduce the risk of illness and injury.

Who was Obama's Surgeon General? ›

During his previous tenure as 19th Surgeon General, under President Obama, Dr. Murthy created initiatives to tackle our country's most pressing public health challenges.

Are generals higher than admirals? ›

Admiral is one of the highest ranks in some navies. In the Commonwealth nations and the United States, a "full" admiral is equivalent to a "full" general in the army or the air force. Admiral is ranked above vice admiral and below admiral of the fleet, or fleet admiral.

How much does the Surgeon General of the United States make? ›

How much does a Surgeon General make? The average Surgeon General in the US makes $124,522. Surgeon Generals make the most in San Jose, CA at $245,854 averaging total compensation 97% greater than US average.

How much does a chief of surgery make in Florida? ›

$146,791

Can a surgeon make a million a year? ›

It is possible, but a very few accomplish it. However, if money is your primary objective I will share a word of caution. Although, you can make $1,000,000 a year as a surgeon, but you will not have enough time to enjoy it. (It would require a lot of work).

What state pays general surgeons the most? ›

What Is the Average General Surgeon Salary by State
StateAnnual SalaryHourly Wage
California$261,981$125.95
New Jersey$261,615$125.78
Pennsylvania$260,865$125.42
Nebraska$260,692$125.33
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