Dr. Nadine Burke Harris, California’s First Surgeon General, Resigns
Dr. Nadine Burke Harris, the first surgeon general of California, is resigning. California Governor Gavin Newsom appointed her to the role in 2019.
Harris said in a statement, “I am incredibly proud to have been part of a team that, together, worked tirelessly to protect the health and well-being of all Californians. Our efforts ensured that California had the lowest cumulative mortality rate among patients with COVID-19 of any large state.”
Newsom said in a statement, “Dr. Burke Harris’ expertise and leadership in championing equity, mental health and early childhood development have been instrumental in advancing the health and well-being of Californians.”
Chief health officer Dr. Devika Bhushan will serve as acting surgeon general.
After appointing Burke Harris to the role, he tasked her with “tackling the state’s health problems,” according to a 2021 profile in the Los Angeles Times. She was particularly focused on screening and treating children for adverse childhood experiences and toxic stress, She also played a key role in the state’s navigation of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a statement to The Times on Wednesday, Burke Harris described her position as surgeon general during the “greatest public crisis in a century has been the experience of a lifetime.”
“I am incredibly proud to have been part of a team that, together, worked tirelessly to protect the health and well-being of all Californians,” she said. “Our efforts ensured that California had the lowest cumulative mortality rate among patients with COVID-19 of any large state.”
Burke Harris said the office of the surgeon general will continue to support efforts to advance vaccine equity and invest in children and youth well-being.
