Jacob Ogles
Dr. Stephanie Haridopolos was just named as Acting Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor to the U.S. Surgeon General.
“In my new position, I’ll continue my work with public health, but on the federal level,” she said.
The Florida physician had recently been honored as the University of South Florida’s 2024 Florida Outstanding Woman in Public Health.
Haridopolos in 2023 led an effort to increase eligibility for Florida KidCare from 200% of the federal poverty level to 300%. Before that, she was heavily involved in lobbying for Florida’s pill mill law.
“Getting involved in statewide health policy has driven me to help more people,’’ she said. “When the opportunity arose with this administration, I felt that the stars were aligned for me to take all this experience I had on the front lines and funnel it into a federal position. That’s why I’m here.’’
Trump earlier named Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, a graduate of Umatilla High School, as U.S. Surgeon General.
Haridopolos in her new role will promote the Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, a group of 5,400 multidisciplinary officers working in the federal government to protect, promote and advance the nation’s health.
She said personal health issues as a child attracted her to the field.
“I was born with an atrial septal defect and had surgery in 1976 when I was 4 years old,’’ she said.
“So, I set my north star early in life and never deviated from it. I never take my health for granted because I started out as a very sick child. I do everything I can to lead a purpose-driven life. I started out life as a patient, and so I was always looking through the lens of a patient. The experience I had as a child created in me a yearning to give back something greater than myself. So, this has been a lifelong journey for me and I feel like I was meant to be here.”
She also runs a medical practice in Melbourne.
Her husband, Mike Haridopolos, last year won election to Congress. He previously served as Florida Senate President. The couple has three children.
