Muntu Davis, MD, MPH, former County Health Officer and Director of the Alameda County Public Health Department, was sworn in Monday morning as the new Los Angeles County Health Officer.

A noted national advocate on elevating and implementing health equity framework within government agencies, Davis received his medical degree from UCLA. He completed The California Endowment Scholars in Health Policy Fellowship and received his Master of Public Health degree from Harvard School of Public Health in Boston, Massachusetts.

“As we strive to develop and ensure our capacity to promote health equity and justice in Los Angeles County, I feel very fortunate to have Dr. Davis’ leadership to help advance our collective work with our colleagues at the Department of Health Services and the Department of Mental Health to implement our new health priorities,” said Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, in announcing the appointment.

“He is a unique addition and support for our collaborations with county residents and community organizations,” Ferrer said.

In his new position, Davis will serve as Los Angeles County’s medical expert regarding public health matters and will provide guidance and direction to leadership across the Department of Public Health.

Working in partnership with colleagues and health professional organizations, he will consult on, interpret, and enforce County and State laws and regulations to protect and promote the health and wellness of all county residents.

He will also support county Area Health Officers in the discharge of their duties.

“I would like to thank the Board of Supervisors and Dr. Barbara Ferrer for this opportunity to join the Department of Public Health team and its colleagues in efforts to close the gaps, while improving health and well-being for all across Los Angeles County,” Davis said. “I look forward to working in partnership with the community, business, and government to achieve long-standing improvements.”

Davis, with a specialty in Family Medicine, practiced extensively in urban and rural primary care and urgent care clinics in Northern and Southern California. He has served as Alameda County Health Officer since 2009 and as the public health director for the past six years.

Prior to working at the ACPHD, he worked in the Immunization Branch of the California Department of Health Services on pandemic planning and education on febrile rash evaluation.

The Department of Public Health is committed to protecting and improving the health of more than 10 million residents of Los Angeles County. Through a variety of programs, community partnerships and services, Public Health oversees environmental health, disease control, and community and family health.

Nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health comprises nearly 4,100 employees and has an annual budget of $1 billion.

To learn more about Los Angeles County Public Health, visit PublicHealth.LACounty.gov, and follow LA County Public Health on social media at twitter.com/LAPublicHealth, facebook.com/LAPublicHealth, and youtube.com/LAPublicHealth.