Dr. Hiram Polk , professor emeritus, Department of Surgery, has been appointed the Commissioner for the Department of Public Health by Health and Family Services.

A renowned surgeon, Dr. Polk is a native of Jackson, Mississippi, graduate of Harvard Medical School and served as the Ben A. Reid Professor and Chair of Surgery at the University of Louisville from 1971 to 2005. While Chair at Louisville, Polk trained more than 330 surgical residents, all of whom hold board certification in general surgery. Dr. Polk also serves as a Steward of The Jockey Club and is a director of the Grayson Research Foundation and the Biomedical Research Foundation in Washington, D.C.

“Many health issues plague the Commonwealth, from chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes, to the serious substance abuse and addiction crisis, especially in pregnant women. Meanwhile, we must be vigilant and prepared to respond to emerging public health issues such as the Zika virus or a potential Hepatitis C outbreak from intravenous drug use,” said Dr. Polk. “I am excited to take on the role of public health commissioner because it gives me an opportunity to direct policy and implement pilot programs to address these very serious issues.”