Joxel García is a Puerto Rican[https://safeamerica.org/categoryblog/242-safe-america-chairman-dr-joxel-garcia Safe America Chairman, Dr. Joxel Garcia.] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141222050253/https://safeamerica.org/categoryblog/242-safe-america-chairman-dr-joxel-garcia |date=2014-12-22 }} Safe America Foundation. 2012. Retrieved 28 March 2013.[http://www.puertorico-herald.org/issues/2002/vol6n11/DrJoxelGarcia-en.html Joxel Garcia, MD, MBA: Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Public Health.] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080724034848/http://www.puertorico-herald.org/issues/2002/vol6n11/DrJoxelGarcia-en.html |date=2008-07-24 }} Puerto Rico Herald. 15 March 2002. Retrieved 28 March 2013.Connecticut health commissioner to assume top health post. EFE World News Service. 3 July 2003. physician and a former four-star admiral in the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps. He served as the fourteenth Assistant Secretary for Health (ASH), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services from March 13, 2008, to January 20, 2009.{{cite web|url=http://archive.hhs.gov/news/press/2003pres/20030617.html|title=2003.06.17: Statement by Tommy G. Thompson Secretary of Health and Human Services Regarding Appointment of Dr. Joxel Garcia As Deputy Director of the Pan-American Health Organization|publisher=}} He served as the Director of Health in the District of Columbia.{{cite web |url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/health-care-consultant-appointed-as-new-director-of-dc-health-department/2013/07/17/3d66151c-ef07-11e2-bb32-725c8351a69e_story.html |title=Health care consultant appointed as new director of DC health department |website=www.washingtonpost.com |access-date=2 February 2022 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130730170421/http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/health-care-consultant-appointed-as-new-director-of-dc-health-department/2013/07/17/3d66151c-ef07-11e2-bb32-725c8351a69e_story.html |archive-date=30 July 2013 |url-status=dead}} He served as the Executive Director of the MD Anderson Cancer Control and Prevention Platform and Member of the Leadership Team of the MD Anderson Moon Shots program until May 2017 before joining American Express as Vice President and Chief Medical Officer.{{cite web|url=https://www.mdanderson.org/newsroom/2015/08/internationally-recognized-health-care-leader-to-direct-md-ander.html|title=Internationally recognized leader to direct Moon Shots Program prevention efforts – MD Anderson Cancer Center|publisher=}}

Early years and medical preparation

Dr. García was born in Arecibo, Puerto Rico,[http://www1.paho.org/english/dd/pin/bio_garcia.htm Dr. Joxel García, M.D., M.B.A.: Deputy Director, Pan American Health Organization.] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131110144947/http://www1.paho.org/english/dd/pin/bio_garcia.htm |date=2013-11-10 }} News and Public Information. Biographical Note. Pan American Health Organization. Retrieved 30 March 2013. and raised in Hatillo, Puerto Rico. His father was a prominent dairy farmer and his mother a teacher.[http://www.globalpulsejournal.com/2008_garcia_joxel_conversation.html Global Pulse] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100809010059/http://www.globalpulsejournal.com/2008_garcia_joxel_conversation.html |date=2010-08-09 }} He was the oldest boy of five children.[http://www.paho.org/English/dd/pin/ptoday02_oct03.htm Pan-American Health Organization] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100308031908/http://www.paho.org/English/DD/PIN/ptoday02_oct03.htm |date=2010-03-08 }} He completed his pre-medical studies at the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez. He graduated from the Ponce School of Medicine in 1988.[http://www.psm.edu/PSM%20Newsletter/PDF%20Newsletters/PSM%20Newsletter%20(April%2009).pdf News from PSM. Vol 3, No. 4 (April 2009)] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100623021739/http://www.psm.edu/PSM%20Newsletter/PDF%20Newsletters/PSM%20Newsletter%20%28April%2009%29.pdf |date=2010-06-23 }} He received a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Hartford. He did his residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Mount Sinai Hospital in Hartford, Connecticut, after being trained as an obstetrician and gynecologist at the Ponce School of Medicine.

Private practice

When he completed his residency, García opened his private practice at St. Francis Hospital & Medical Center in Hartford. Since then, García served in several appointed positions at Mt. Sinai, St. Francis, and the University of Connecticut Health Center.[http://www.puertorico-herald.org/issues/2002/vol6n11/DrJoxelGarcia-en.html Puerto Rico Herald] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080724034848/http://www.puertorico-herald.org/issues/2002/vol6n11/DrJoxelGarcia-en.html |date=2008-07-24 }} After obtaining his M.D. degree, García served as the Assistant Director of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department at the Saint Francis Hospital & Medical Center in Hartford.{{cite web|url=http://newtalk.org/experts/JoxelGarcia|title=NewTalk: Expert Profile|publisher=}}

Connecticut's Commissioner of Public Health

From 1999 to 2003, García was Commissioner of Public Health for the state of Connecticut. During that time, he instituted a bioterrorism preparedness program, launched the national smallpox preparation and vaccination plans, and led Connecticut's response to the anthrax attack as a model for the United States. He also created health initiatives for disease prevention, and managed improvements in health literacy and economic conditions.

Global public health exposure

From 2003 to 2006, García served as Deputy Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)/Regional Office Western Hemisphere for the World Health Organization. As Deputy Director, García was responsible for setting the general direction and strategy of the organization alongside the director and for providing leadership and advice on all policy decisions. He was also responsible for maintaining effective relations between the organization and the governments of the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. When appointed to the PAHO position, Secretary of Health Thomas G. Thompson said, "As a leader in his home state of Connecticut and a proud son of Puerto Rico, Dr. Garcia embodies the multilingual, multiethnic face of our hemisphere."[http://www.dhhs.gov/news/press/2003pres/20030617.html HHS News Release.] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081003234921/http://www.dhhs.gov/news/press/2003pres/20030617.html |date=2008-10-03 }}

Corporate experience

Prior to becoming Assistant Secretary of Health, García served as the Senior Vice President and Senior Medical Advisor at MAXIMUS Federal Services Inc.{{cite web|url=http://www.babbalu.com/Press-Release-Info.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060208073914/http://babbalu.com/press-release-info.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=2006-02-08|title=Babbalu.com – Hispanic Social Networking Site}} There, García oversaw the work of the MAXIMUS' Center for Global Health and was the principal architect of the strategic partnership plan for the Western Hemisphere. García led several programs at MAXIMUS including emergency preparedness and disaster relief. Dr. Garcia is a founding member of Aegis Health Analytics and serves as a member of the Board of Directors.{{cite web|url=http://aegishealthanalytics.com|title=Aegis Health Analytics}}

Dr. Garcia currently serves as the Founder and CEO, Chairman of the Board of Ambitna involved in accelerating therapies and cures.{{cite web|url=http://ambitna.com}}

Dr. Garcia is a partner with NL Capital Ventures involved in management and acquisitions of home health care agencies, medical staffing, & assisted living facilities. {{cite web | url=https://nlcapitalventures.com/our-team/ | title=Our Team – NL Capital Ventures }}

U.S. Assistant Secretary for Health

García was nominated for appointment by President George W. Bush for the position of Assistant Secretary for Health with the rank of admiral in the Public Health Service Commissioned Corps in late 2007. He was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on March 14, 2008, becoming the first Puerto Rican to serve as Assistant Secretary for Health.

As the Assistant Secretary for Health, García was the primary advisor to the Secretary of Health and Human Services on matters involving the nation's public health system and health science. He also oversaw the U.S. Public Health Service and its Commissioned Corps for the Secretary of Health. In his position, García's responsibilities included disease prevention, health promotion, public health preparedness, women's and minority health, reduction of health disparities, fight against HIV/AIDS, pandemic influenza planning, and vaccine preventable diseases. García's experience in public health encompassed health care delivery, bioterrorism preparedness, health policy, and international health affairs.

President and Dean of Ponce School of Medicine

On April 1, 2009, García was named President and Dean of the Ponce School of Medicine. On his inaugural speech he said, "All the things I have mentioned here are not dreams but things that I am already working on, things that are happening, and will continue to evolve".''{{cite web|url=http://poncemedicine.org/2009/04/01/dr-joxel-garcia-is-appointed-as-ponce-school-of-medicine-president--dean.aspx|title=Ponce Medicine|website=poncemedicine.org}} He feels that Puerto Rico could be a regional medical training center.[http://www.prdailysun.com/news/Med-School-chief-PR-can-be-regional-training-center PR Daily Sun] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100412111149/http://www.prdailysun.com/news/Med-School-chief-PR-can-be-regional-training-center |date=2010-04-12 }}

Washington, D.C. Department of Health Director and Chief Medical Officer

On August 1, 2012, Garcia was named Washington, D.C. Department of Health Director and Chief Medical Officer.{{cite web|url=https://dmhhs.dc.gov/release/mayor-gray-names-experienced-health-official-dr-joxel-garc%c3%ada-lead-department-health-0|title=Mayor Gray Names Experienced Health Official Dr. Joxel García to Lead Department of Health|website=dmhhs.dc.gov}} During his tenure, he led the District's efforts to respond to the Ebola outbreak in coordination with the CDC for the region.{{cite web|url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/nov/19/dc-health-director-african-population-being-stigma/|title=D.C. health director: African population being stigmatized due to Ebola outbreak|work=The Washington Times}} Under the Executive Office of the Mayor, Garcia led the launch of a Clinton Global Initiative commitment to action in collaboration with Aegis Health Security and 40 commitment members to prevent preventable infant deaths and health disparities.{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/dc-politics/dc-launches-project-to-prevent-infant-deaths-in-partnership-with-aegis-health/2014/09/22/f80a5bc0-426d-11e4-b47c-f5889e061e5f_story.html|title=D.C. launches project to prevent infant deaths|author=Rachel Weiner|date=22 September 2014|newspaper=Washington Post}}

University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Executive Director of the Cancer Control and Prevention Platform

On August 31, 2015, Garcia was named Executive Director of the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Cancer Control and Prevention Platform. Dr. Garcia worked with the University of Texas MD Anderson leadership to create a global platform for research, prevention and treatment to establish centers of excellence.

New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Deputy Commissioner and Chief Program Officer

On June 21, 2024 Dr. Joxel Garcia has been appointed by Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan as the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s First Deputy Commissioner and Chief Program Officer. His duties include overseeing the Divisions of Disease Control, Environmental Health, Family and Child Health, and Mental Hygiene.{{cite web | url=https://www.nyc.gov/site/doh/about/press/pr2024/dohmh-appoints-new-first-deputy-commissioner-and-chief-program-officer.page | title=Health Department Appoints New First Deputy Commissioner and Chief Program Officer - NYC Health }}

Extracurricular

Dr. García has served on a number of national boards, including the Prevent Cancer Foundation, National Advisory Committee on Violence against Women, National Dialogue on Cancer, the United States Preventive Services Task Force, the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids,{{cite web|url=https://www.tobaccofreekids.org/about/board|title=Board of Directors|date=13 June 2017|website=Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids}} Trinity Health Of New England{{cn|date=October 2022}} and as the president-elect of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials.

Author of the Guimoland books: the Adventures of Guimo Audi

Dr. García is said to have seen his role as Assistant Secretary for Health as an opportunity to enhance the Secretary's efforts to further the mission of Health and Human Services and the health of the nation by building, strengthening and leveraging relationships across the public health community and the US Public Health Service while also improving healthcare for all Americans.[http://www.greaterhartfordcoalition.org/Education.htm Greater Hartford Coalition.] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100726001423/http://www.greaterhartfordcoalition.org/Education.htm |date=2010-07-26 }}

Awards and Badges

60px Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service
60px Public Health Service Distinguished Service Medal
60px Public Health Service Regular Corps Ribbon
75px Badge of the Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Services
75px Officer-in-Charge Badge

Personal

García resides in Washington, D.C. and formerly resided in New York City, Houston, TX and Avon, Connecticut.[http://www.paho.org/English/DD/PIN/ptoday06_oct03.htm Pan American Health Organization] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100308031823/http://www.paho.org/English/DD/PIN/ptoday06_oct03.htm |date=2010-03-08 }} He has three children.{{cite web|url=http://fora.tv/speaker/347/Joxel_Garcia|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091225020127/http://fora.tv/speaker/347/Joxel_Garcia|url-status=usurped|archive-date=December 25, 2009|title=Joxel Garcia |publisher= FORA.tv Speaker }}{{cite web|url=https://www.courant.com/1999/04/06/obstetrician-in-line-for-health-post/|title=Obstetrician In Line For Health Post|work=tribunedigital-thecourant|date=6 April 1999 }}

References

External links

[https://www.hhs.gov/ophs/assistantsecretaryhealth/index.html Admiral Joxel García's HHS Bio]
[https://web.archive.org/web/20081021001433/http://www.hhs.gov/aidsawarenessdays/days/latino/nlaad_press.html Statement of Admiral Joxel Garcia, Assistant Secretary for Health on National Latino AIDS Awareness Day, October 15, 2008]