Admiral John O. Agwunobi, MD, MBA, MPH, Assistant Secretary for Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
John O. Agwunobi, assistant secretary for health (ASH) at the US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and an admiral in the US Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, will open the second day of the conference. In his presentation, “Vision for the Future,” he will discuss health trends, what’s in store for public health and private health providers, and how they can be prepared. Dr. Agwunobi is Secretary Michael Leavitt’s primary advisor on matters involving the nation’s public health. He also oversees the US Public Health Service and its Commissioned Corps. Prior to becoming the ASH, Dr. Agwunobi served as Florida’s Secretary of Health and State Health Officer. During his tenure, he led the state’s response to the unprecedented four major hurricanes that struck Florida in 2004 and the nation’s first-ever intentional anthrax attack. As a pediatrician, Dr. Agwunobi has dedicated himself to working with underserved populations.
John O. Agwunobi was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on December 17, 2005 as the assistant secretary for health (ASH), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). He is an admiral in the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps. As the ASH, Admiral Agwunobi serves as the secretary's primary advisor on matters involving the nation's public health and science. He also oversees the U.S. Public Health Service and its Commissioned Corps for the Secretary. As assistant secretary for health, his responsibilities include disease prevention, health promotion, women’s and minority health, the reduction of health disparities, fight against HIV/AIDS, pandemic influenza planning and vaccine preventable disease. He is actively involved in the push for improvements in research and enhanced access to quality health care. He serves as the DHHS blood safety officer and the representative on the World Health Organization’s executive board. Prior to becoming the ASH, he served as Florida's secretary of health from October 2001 to September 2005. As secretary, he confronted many public health challenges including leading the state's public health and medical response to the unprecedented four major hurricanes that struck Florida in 2004. He led the state’s response to the nation's first-ever intentional anthrax attack of 2001. He subsequently guided Florida’s nationally-recognized efforts to protect the state against bioterrorism.