Dr. Eric Handler Named City of Pasadena's Interim Health Officer - Office of the City Manager - City of Pasadena

PASADENA, Calif.—Dr. Eric Handler has been contracted to serve as interim health officer for the City of Pasadena, effective immediately. He will serve as interim health officer while Pasadena Public Health Director and Health Officer Dr. Ying-Ying Goh participates in a 12-month prestigious fellowship in Washington, D.C.

Dr. Handler is a retired public health consultant. His prior work experience, education and training makes him highly qualified to perform the functions and duties of a health officer. His primary duties will include supporting the response to public health emergencies, monitoring trends in population health, providing clinical consultation to public health staff, and interpreting federal and state public health policy and guidance.

"Pasadena Public Health Department is excited to have Dr. Handler join us, especially as we continue to respond to COVID-19 and now MPX," states Interim Director of Public Health Manuel Carmona. "Dr. Handler has a long and distinguished career in public service and has demonstrated the ability to successfully perform health officer duties for the City."

Dr. Handler was appointed by the Orange County Board of Supervisors as the county's health officer from 2006-19. Prior to his work in Orange County, he served as the deputy secretary for Children's Medical Services in the Florida Department of Health from 1996-2000. In addition, Dr. Handler served as the chief medical officer for the Florida Department of Children and Families between 2000-03.

A native of Los Angeles, Dr. Handler received his bachelor of arts degree and master's of public health (MPH) from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and he received his medical degree from Chicago Medical School. He completed his pediatrics internship and residency at L.A. County-USC Hospital and completed a pediatric rehabilitation fellowship at Rancho Los Amigos Hospital.

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