Dr. Sayone Thihalolipavan Appointed San Diego Public Health Officer

News Summary

Dr. Sayone Thihalolipavan has been appointed as the new Public Health Officer for San Diego County, succeeding Dr. Ankita Kadakia. Bringing extensive public health experience, Dr. Thihalolipavan aims to improve health outcomes in diverse communities, overseeing a department with a significant budget and a focus on community engagement. His previous roles include managing critical public health incidents and leading vaccination initiatives during the COVID-19 pandemic.

San Diego – Dr. Sayone Thihalolipavan has been appointed the new Public Health Officer for San Diego County, effective Monday afternoon. His appointment follows a nationwide search after the retirement of Dr. Wilma Wooten in July 2024. Dr. Thihalolipavan succeeds Dr. Ankita Kadakia, who served as the interim public health officer during this transition.

Previously serving as the county’s Public Health Medical Officer, Dr. Thihalolipavan has been with San Diego County since 2015. He was recruited to the position by Dr. Wooten from the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, bringing with him extensive experience in public health interventions.

Over the past decade, he has been instrumental in managing several significant public health incidents, including the Hepatitis A outbreak, the response to the Zika virus in 2017, and the handling of wound botulism in 2018. More recently, he has played a crucial role in public vaccination initiatives during the COVID-19 pandemic and addressing the dangers associated with fentanyl in 2024.

Kimberly Giardina, Director of the county’s Health and Human Services Agency, highlighted Dr. Thihalolipavan’s combination of technical expertise and communication skills, which are critical for addressing public health challenges in the diverse communities of San Diego.

In his new role, Dr. Thihalolipavan will oversee a department comprising 730 employees, with an annual budget of approximately $236 million. The county’s Public Health Services department has a rich history, having been established in 1869 to tackle a wide range of public health needs, evolving significantly over time.

A key aspect of Dr. Thihalolipavan’s agenda will be fostering community engagement, especially in historically disenfranchised communities. His academic background includes a Master’s degree in Public Health from the Columbia Mailman School of Public Health and a Medical Degree from New York University School of Medicine. His career has been recognized with multiple awards, such as the San Diego County Top Doctors award in 2022.

Dr. Thihalolipavan’s responsibilities as Public Health Officer will include issuing quarantine and isolation orders and declaring local emergencies aimed at safeguarding public health. The position necessitates effective communication with the general public, particularly during health crises.

As he steps into this leadership role, Dr. Thihalolipavan has expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve San Diego County’s diverse population. Colleagues have noted his collaborative nature and effective communication skills, qualities that will be essential for his success in addressing the ongoing and emerging public health issues facing the county.

The Health Department focuses on various crucial public health branches, including epidemiology, immunization services, HIV/STD prevention, and maternal and child health, among others. Dr. Thihalolipavan’s experience and leadership are expected to play a pivotal role in enhancing these services and ensuring the health and safety of all residents in the county.

As the new Public Health Officer, Dr. Sayone Thihalolipavan is geared up to take on the challenges ahead, aiming to improve public health outcomes throughout San Diego County.

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Additional Resources

• County News Center
• San Diego Union Tribune
• Fox 5 San Diego
• Wikipedia: Public Health
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Public Health