Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo Replaces Dr. Scott Rivkees As State Health Leader
Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo Replaces Dr. Scott Rivkees As State Health Leader...
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis appointed Dr. Joseph Ladapo as the state's new surgeon general on Tuesday, replacing Dr. Scott Rivkees in a move that signals a sharper focus on pandemic policies aligned with the governor's approach. The change comes as Florida continues to resist federal COVID-19 mandates, including mask and vaccine requirements in schools.
Dr. Rivkees, who served since 2019, faced criticism from DeSantis allies for his cautious early pandemic stance. His contract was not renewed after expiring in September 2021, though he remained in an interim capacity. The transition to Ladapo, a UCLA health policy professor known for opposing lockdowns, formalizes a shift toward DeSantis' preferred pandemic strategy.
The timing coincides with Florida's ongoing legal battles over school mask mandates and vaccine passports. Ladapo's first actions included signing new rules allowing parents to decide whether children quarantine after COVID exposures. Public health experts warn this could accelerate outbreaks, while supporters argue it reduces disruptions to education.
Reaction split along partisan lines, with Republican lawmakers praising Ladapo's “patient-first” approach and Democrats expressing alarm over relaxed protocols. The surgeon general oversees Florida’s public health policy, including emergency responses to diseases like COVID-19. The role gained national attention during the pandemic as Florida frequently clashed with federal guidance.
DeSantis cited Ladapo's “exceptional background” in medicine and economics when announcing the appointment. Critics note the new surgeon general has questioned vaccine efficacy despite broad scientific consensus. The change takes immediate effect as Florida reports declining COVID hospitalizations but rising pediatric cases.
This story is trending nationally due to Florida’s outsized influence on pandemic policy debates. Other Republican-led states often follow its lead on health restrictions, making leadership changes particularly significant. The move also fuels speculation about DeSantis' political ambitions ahead of potential 2024 presidential run.
