Dr. Jerome Adams
While Indiana Governor Mike Pence was visiting Canada on a trade mission, he make a bit of Hoosier History back home in naming a new health commissioner. Governor Pence named Dr. Jerome Adams as Commissioner for the Indiana State Department of Health. What makes Dr. Adams’ appointment signigicant is the fact that Adams is African-American. Dr. Adams becomes the second African-American to head the state’s health department. The first was Dr. Woodrow (Woody) Myers who was named to the position by Governor Bob Orr in 1985. Dr. Adams appointment is also significant as its the first African-American named by Republican Governor Pence to head one of the state’s major agencies. In announcing Dr. Adams’ appointment, Governor Pence said, “His public service and academic achievements make Dr. Jerome Adams the ideal candidate to serve in this role. I am confident that he will bring his extensive healthcare experience and insights to the Indiana State Department of Health and continue the great work of the agency as they strive to improve the health of all Hoosiers.” Dr. Jerome Adams has extensive experience in health care and medicine. Currently he serves as Assistant Professor of Clinical Anesthesia at the IU School of Medicine. Dr. Adams is also a staff anesthesiologist at Eskenazi Health, where he Chairs the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee. Previously, Dr. Adams was a general anesthesiologist at Muncie’s Ball Memorial Hospital and was a physician rapid responder at the Indianapolis Orthopedic Hospital. Dr. Adams is a member of the Indiana Society of Anesthesiologists, the American Medical Association, the National Medical Association. He serves as Chair of the Professional Diversity Committee for the American Society of Anesthesiologists and is a member of the Indiana State Medical Association’s Executive Committee. Indiana’s new Health Commission also brings research experience and expertise, including working with Nobel Prize winner Dr. Tom Cech. Dr. Jerome Adams received his undergraduate degree from the University of Maryland/Baltimore County; his Masters of Public Health from the University of California/Berkeley and his Medical degree from the IU School of Medicine. As permitted by state law, Dr. Adams will continue working at Eskenazi Health. He will assume his new role on October 22nd, succeeding Dr. William VanNess.
