Oxiris Barbot

Oxiris Barbot is an American physician and public health official who served as the Commissioner of Health of the City of New York from 2018 to 2020. She is known for her work in public health, particularly in urban settings, and her leadership during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Early Life and Education

Oxiris Barbot was born in the United States to Puerto Rican parents. She pursued her undergraduate education at Yale University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. She then attended the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (now part of Rutgers University), where she obtained her Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree.

Career

Barbot began her career in public health as a pediatrician, focusing on underserved communities. She worked in various capacities, including as the Medical Director of the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene's Office of School Health. In this role, she was responsible for overseeing health services in New York City public schools.

Baltimore Health Department

Barbot served as the Commissioner of Health for the City of Baltimore, Maryland, where she implemented initiatives to improve health outcomes for the city's residents, particularly in areas such as maternal and child health, chronic disease prevention, and health equity.

New York City Health Commissioner

In 2018, Barbot was appointed as the Commissioner of Health of the City of New York by Mayor Bill de Blasio. During her tenure, she focused on addressing health disparities, promoting vaccination, and improving mental health services. Her leadership was particularly noted during the initial outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020.

COVID-19 Pandemic

Barbot played a critical role in the city's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. She advocated for early and aggressive measures to contain the virus, including social distancing and mask-wearing. However, her tenure was marked by challenges, including disagreements with other city officials over the handling of the pandemic, which ultimately led to her resignation in August 2020.

Contributions to Public Health

Barbot has been a vocal advocate for health equity and has worked to address social determinants of health. She has emphasized the importance of community engagement and culturally competent care in public health initiatives.

Also see

• New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
• COVID-19 pandemic in New York City
• Public health
• Health equity