Photo via: KERA News
Dr. Nadine Burke Harris officially became California's first surgeon general when she was sworn into the position on Monday by Governor Gavin Newsom.
Following her swearing-in ceremony, Harris tweeted out: "It’s official! Time to get to work! I’m honored and humbled to be leading the charge in service of healthy children and families in California."
It’s official! Time to get to work! I’m honored and humbled to be leading the charge in service of healthy children and families in California. #preventscreenandheal #CAforall! pic.twitter.com/K3HfWysKhW
— Nadine Burke Harris (@DrBurkeHarris) February 12, 2019
With a medical degree from the University of California Davis School of Medicine and a Master’s in Public Health from Harvard University under her belt, Harris is the founder and CEO of Center for Youth Wellness. The center was created to treat Adverse Childhood Experiences or "stressful or traumatic events that children experience before age 18," according to the organization's website.
Harris, a national leader in pediatric medicine, is also the founding physician of the California Pacific Medical Center Bayview Child Health Center.
Today, California’s first ever surgeon general @DrBurkeHarris was sworn in and her message was clear:
— California For All (@CAforAll) February 12, 2019
Health equity is about bringing California’s strongest research and science to ALL so that every Californian has the opportunity to thrive. #CaliforniaForAll pic.twitter.com/hyIn0s0OFA
As California's first surgeon general, Harris will continue to advocate for children's physical and mental health.