News Release

Statement by Mike Leavitt, Secretary of Health and Human Services, On the Nomination of Joxel García, M.D., MBA as Assistant Secretary of Health

I applaud the President’s nomination of Dr. Joxel García.  He is an excellent choice to guide this Department on matters involving public health.

Dr. García began his career as a practicing physician and has spent the better part of the last decade in public health leadership, including his service as Deputy Director of the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization and as Public Health Commissioner for the State of Connecticut.  With his strong background in health policy, administration, business, and medicine, Dr. García is well qualified to help lead HHS and serve as Medical Director for the U.S. Public Health Service.

I am confident Dr. García will be a strong advocate for the health and well-being of all Americans.  I look forward to welcoming him to the HHS team and urge the Senate to act quickly on his nomination.

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Last revised: January 12, 2009