New Health Chief Sets Priorities
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowOne month after taking office, Indiana State Department of Health Commissioner Jerome Adams says infant mortality is “right at the top” of his priority list. He says the department is focusing on increasing breast feeding rates and prenatal care in Indiana. He says the state is “near the worst” in smoking and obesity rates, which also tie into infant mortality. Adams is a staff anesthesiologist and chair of the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee at Eskenazi Health. He is continuing in those positions in addition to his new role. Adams discussed his background and goals on Inside INdiana Business Television. Adams holds degrees from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, the University of California Berkeley and Indiana University.
October 8, 2014
News Release
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Governor Mike Pence today announced that Dr. Jerome Adams will serve as Commissioner for the Indiana State Department of Health.
“His public service and academic achievements make Dr. Jerome Adams the ideal candidate to serve in this role,” said Pence. “I am confident that he will bring his extensive healthcare experience and insights to the Indiana State Department of Health and continue the great work of the agency as they strive to improve the health of all Hoosiers.”
Dr. Adams has worked for several years in the medical field and currently serves as Assistant Professor of Clinical Anesthesia at Indiana University School of Medicine and as a staff anesthesiologist at Eskenazi Health, where he is Chair of the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee. Previously, he served as a general anesthesiologist at Ball Memorial Hospital in Delaware County and as a physician rapid responder at Indianapolis Orthopedic Hospital.
Dr. Adams has been a member of several professional organizations, including the Indiana Society of Anesthesiologists, the American Medical Association, the National Medical Association, and serves as Chair of the Professional Diversity Committee for the American Society of Anesthesiologists. He is on the Executive Committee for the Indiana State Medical Association.
Dr. Adams has a great deal of research experience, including working under Nobel Prize winner Dr. Tom Cech.
He is a graduate of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, where he earned his undergraduate degree, the University of California, Berkeley, where he earned his Masters of Public Health, and the Indiana University School of Medicine, where he earned his Medical Doctorate.
Dr. Adams will continue to work at Eskenazi Health, as permitted by Indiana Code 16-19-4-4. He will assume his new role on October 22, 2014.
Source: The Office of Governor Mike Pence