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Puerto Rico Herald

Joxel Garcia, MD, MBA

Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Public Health


March 15, 2002
Copyright © 2002
Puerto Rico Herald. All Rights Reserved.

Dr. Joxel Garcia, appointed in 1999 by Governor John G. Rowland as commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Public Health, serves as the leading health official for the state of Connecticut. Dr. Garcia oversees an agency of over 800 employees whose mission is to protect the health and safety of the people of Connecticut and actively work to prevent disease and promote wellness.

Dr. Garcia was born in Arecibo, Puerto Rico, and received his medical education at the Ponce School of Medicine. Dr. Garcia recently received his Masters in Business Administration from the University of Hartford. Prior to his appointment as commissioner, Dr. Garcia was the Assistant Director of Obstetrics and Gynecology at St. Francis Hospital & Medical Center. Dr. Garcia was also appointed to the Connecticut State Medical Examining Board prior to his confirmation as commissioner.

Dr. Garcia began his residency at Mount Sinai Hospital in Hartford specializing in Obstetrics and Gynecology. When he finished his residency, he opened his own practice at St. Francis. Since, he has served in several appointed positions at Mt. Sinai, St. Francis, and the University of Connecticut Health Center.

A nationally recognized gynecological surgeon, Dr. Garcia is a member of a number of prestigious professional organizations including the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, and is a certified diplomat of the American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology. Dr. Garcia is also an Assistant Professor at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine.

In addition to being renowned for his excellent medical skills, Dr. Garcia is viewed as a scholar and innovator in the medical field. He is particularly known for his practice and research in the areas of cervical screening and pelvic pain, and has conducted numerous research studies and published several articles in professional journals. Dr. Garcia also holds a patent for the development of a laparoscopic trocar port filter.

During his tenure as commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Public Health, Dr. Garcia has traveled the state meeting with numerous constituency groups of the department, championing the concepts of prevention and health promotion, and raising awareness about the key issues affecting the health of Connecticut citizens.

Under Dr. Garcia’s leadership, the department has launched health campaigns around senior citizens, women, and urban health. Dr. Garcia has also initiated efforts in other areas, including genetics, emergency medical services, and benchmarking best practices in public health.

By setting priorities based on health data, building strategic partnerships, targeting prevention and education initiatives, and setting appropriate health standards, Dr. Garcia and the Department of Public Health are meeting the challenges facing the public needs of Connecticut.

Dr. Garcia is married to Dr. Ingrid Grafals, a private practice physician. They are the proud parents of two children.

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