FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 31, 2013

Contact: Communications Office
(850) 245-4111

TALLAHASSEE—The Florida Department of Health (DOH) is pleased to announce Dr. Ulyee Choe, as the new Director of DOH in Polk County. Dr. Choe has served as DOH—Polk's Interim Director since November 2012 and as an attending physician at DOH—Hillsborough since 2011.

"Dr. Choe is a consummate public health professional with impressive clinical and academic credentials as well," said State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong. "I am confident that health for children, adults, and families in Polk County will continue to improve with his leadership."

During his time at DOH—Hillsborough, Dr. Choe served in a number of capacities, including Shigella outbreak investigator and World AIDS Day presenter and organizer in 2010. Previously, Dr. Choe worked in STD Clinic Consultation and Quality Assurance Specialty Care. In addition, he has overseen various public health media campaigns raising awareness about issues like obesity, STDs and influenza.

Dr. Choe remains an assistant professor of medicine at the University of South Florida (USF) College of Medicine's Division of Infectious Disease and International Medicine. He is also chairman of the Health and Medical Committee of the eight-county Tampa Bay Regional Domestic Security Task Force. In addition, Dr. Choe works as a liaison between South Korea's Yeungnam Medical School and USF. He attained a Bachelor of Science degree in microbiology from the University of Florida and received his Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine from Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine.

DOH protects, promotes and improves the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

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