Longtime pediatrician Dr. Tami Brooks has been appointed as the agency medical director for the Mississippi State Department of Health.
In this position, Brooks will provide medical oversight and expertise across all program areas of the state agency. Her mission, according to a release from the state health department, will be to ensure healthcare initiatives are guided by the highest standards of public health and medical care, and to support the ongoing campaign of promoting and protecting the wellness of all Mississippians.
Brooks, a pediatrician with nearly 30 years of experience in the field, began her career as an instructor of pediatrics at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, where she served on the faculty for 24 years and rose through the ranks to professor. More recently, she practiced pediatrics in Starkville and served as the medical director of the Starkville Pediatric Extended Care Facility.
“The Department of Health is fortunate to have Dr. Brooks’ expertise,” State Health Officer Dr. Dan Edney said. “Her vast experience that spans public health, state government, and private sector healthcare will help elevate the important work we are doing in protecting the health of Mississippians.”
No stranger to the Mississippi State Department of Health, Brooks has also served on the following advisory committees with the agency: Genetics, Vaccine Coalition, SIDS Coalition, Child Death Review, and Closing the Gap on Infant Mortality Initiative.
She has also operated in state and national advisory roles, including medical director of the Mississippi Division of Medicaid, chair of State Government Affairs and Advocacy for the American Academy of Pediatrics, and collaborating physician for Mercy Delta Health Project.
During her time in healthcare, Brooks has earned multiple honors, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Childhood Immunization Champion Award and the University of Mississippi Medical Center Sorey Award for Outstanding Teacher in Pediatrics.
“Having spent nearly three decades practicing pediatrics in this state and advocating for children and their families, I understand how important public health and the programs implemented by MSDH are to these families,” Brooks said.
“It is an honor to now be integrally involved with these programs and all that public health encompasses. It is my hope that by creating partnerships with the healthcare community and especially with the communities themselves, we can better tackle the challenges our state faces regarding the health, safety, and well-being of its citizens.”
Brooks earned an MD from the University of Mississippi Medical Center, where she also completed her pediatric residency. She earned a BS in Biological Sciences/Education from Mississippi State University.
