U.S. Assistant Secretary of Health to Address Nation's Pediatricians on Children's Health Issues

Newswise — Admiral John Agwunobi, MD, FAAP, addressed 2,000 attendees today at the American Academy of Pediatrics' (AAP) National Conference and Exhibition (NCE) in Atlanta, Ga. His speech focused on the challenges and opportunities facing children in the United States today.

As Assistant Secretary for Health (ASH), and an Admiral in the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, Dr. Agwunobi serves as the Secretary's primary advisor on matters involving the nation's public health. He also oversees the US Public Health Service and its Commissioned Corps for the Secretary. Prior to becoming the ASH, Dr. Agwunobi served as Florida's Secretary of Health and State Health Officer from October 2001 to September 2005. He confronted many public health challenges during his tenure, and led the call for a healthier Florida, advocating for improved nutrition and exercise in an effort to address the state's obesity epidemic. His department's many successes included lowering tobacco use among young Floridians and decreasing the state's infant mortality rate, as well as improving overall access to medical and dental care.

As a pediatrician, Dr. Agwunobi dedicated himself to working with underserved populations. Dr. Agwunobi previously was Medical Director and Vice President of Medical Affairs and Patient Services at the Hospital for Sick Children, a Washington, DC-based pediatric rehabilitation hospital and community health care provider. He simultaneously served as medical director for an affiliated managed care plan, where he maintained a network of more than 2,300 physicians and specialists.