Floridians Now Have to Live With a Surgeon General Who Promotes Quack Cures and Downplays Vaccines
Yesterday, the Florida Senate confirmed Dr. Joseph Ladapo as the state’s surgeon general. Dr. Ladapo’s dangerous rhetoric, disproven views on vaccines, and politicization of common sense measures to stop the spread of COVID-19 have made it more difficult for Florida to get back on track and move past the pandemic. His confirmation shows that Governor Ron DeSantis will stop at nothing to appeal to the most extreme parts of his base, even if it means demeaning the position of the state’s top doctor, thereby prolonging the pandemic.
Below are a collection headlines in reaction to Dr. Ladapo’s controversial confirmation:
AP: Florida Surgeon General Confirmed Despite Controversy. “Ladapo, who was appointed by DeSantis in September, has drawn intense scrutiny over his shared resistance with the governor to COVID-19 mandates for vaccines and masks and other health policies endorsed by the federal government.” [AP, 2/24/22]
The Palm Beach Post: Dr. Joseph Ladapo Confirmed As Florida Surgeon General Along Party Lines. “The Florida Senate today gave its seal of approval to Dr. Joseph Ladapo as the state’s 6th Surgeon General, a vocal and controversial cheerleader for the pandemic policies of Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis since picking him for the job five months ago. Those policies, however, are out of step with mainstream, conventional medical recommendations and federal policies. The 24-15 vote along party lines to confirm Ladapo’s nomination was a predictable but rocky path for the Harvard-educated, former UCLA research professor, who had full support of Republicans…His combined salary is $437,000 a year.” [The Palm Beach Post, 2/23/22]
Florida Politics: The Doctor Is In: Joseph Ladapo Confirmed As Surgeon General. “The Republican-controlled Senate on Wednesday voted along party lines to confirm Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo despite a torrent of complaints from Democrats that he was unqualified and a “rubber stamp” for Gov. Ron DeSantis. Ladapo’s nomination was a lightning rod from the very start, especially for those who considered him to be an extension of DeSantis’ anti-lockdown approach to the COVID-19 pandemic. Ladapo was publicly skeptical of both vaccines and masks…An unnamed supervisor at UCLA told Florida state officials during a background check that Ladapo should not be appointed as Surgeon General because Ladapo based his recommendations on his opinions and not scientific evidence.” [Florida Politics, 2/24/22]
Florida Phoenix: Senate OKs Ladapo As Surgeon General; To Dems, He’s ‘Not The Right Person For The Job’. “The Florida Senate confirmed Joseph Ladapo as surgeon general on Wednesday, even as Democrats criticized the doctor over his stance on COVID-19 safety and other concerns…The vote was 25-15. As surgeon general, Ladapo also will run the Florida Department of Health as it continues to deal with a pandemic that has resulted in 5.8 million COVID-19 cases in Florida and about 69,000 deaths, according to data from the CDC.” [Florida Phoenix, 2/23/22]
WFSU: Despite Democrat Pushback Ladapo Now Has Senate Approval To Continue As Florida’s Top Doctor. “Ladapo, who was appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis has faced controversy because of his stance on vaccines and masking throughout the coronavirus pandemic…’This candidate has not been recommended by his prior employer, is part of a right-wing anti-science fringe medical group, does not have public health experience, and has turned his position political,’ [Sen. Tina] Polsky said.” [WFSU, 2/23/22]
CBS4: Senate Confirms Dr. Joseph Ladapo’s Appointment As FL Surgeon General. “The vote went along party lines, with 24 Republican Senators voting to confirm Dr. Ladapo, and 15 Democrats voting against his confirmation…Dr. Ladapo’s appointment generated a lot of controversy. State lawmakers have expressed concern about his job at the University of Florida. UF pays Dr. Ladapo $260,000, but he is not teaching, or treating patients. During a confirmation hearing, Ladapo also would not say he regretted refusing to wear a mask when meeting Senator Polsky, who has cancer.” [CBS4, 2/23/22]