REMOTE (July 18, 2023): The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has named Dr. Ned Calonge as the department’s new chief medical officer.
“It is both a pleasure and an honor to return to CDPHE at this exciting moment for the public health field,” said Dr. Calonge. “Coloradans are more aware than ever of the important role public health officials play in fighting infectious diseases, supporting and protecting reproductive and maternal health, ensuring access to safe, life-saving vaccines, advancing health equity, and communicating important medical information so Coloradans can make the right decisions for themselves and their families. I’m excited to once again be a part of the dedicated team at CDPHE.”
Dr. Calonge is replacing Dr. Eric France, who served as CDPHE’s chief medical officer from February 2020 to June 2023. It will be Dr. Calonge’s second stint as chief medical officer, as he previously held the position from 2002 to 2010. A graduate of the University of Colorado School of Medicine, Dr. Calonge has decades of experience as a practicing medical and public health professional and educator. He is currently an associate dean of public health practice at the Colorado School of Public Health. In addition to this work, Dr. Calonge has been an associate professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine since 1986.
CDPHE’s chief medical officer ensures the department’s approach to public health is effective and evidence based, serves as a key strategist shaping departmental policy, and advises both the CDPHE executive director and the governor on preventive care, public health responses, and more. The chief medical officer requires confirmation by the state Senate — because the 2023 legislative session is over, Dr. Calonge will serve in the position until the Senate can consider his appointment in the next session.
“Chief medical officer is one of CDPHE’s most important roles, and we knew we had to find an experienced leader to do this important work for Coloradans,” said CDPHE executive director Jill Hunsaker Ryan. “ Dr. Calonge is an exceptional leader and public health practitioner. Between his previous experience in this position, his ongoing work training the next generation of Colorado’s doctors and public health professionals, and his diverse medical and administrative experience, he is an ideal fit. I first worked with Dr. Calonge nearly 20 years ago when I served as CDPHE’s director of the Office of Health Disparities, and I’m excited to once again have this opportunity to work closely with such a dedicated public servant.”
###