Dr. Celeste Philip has been named Interim Deputy Secretary for Health and Deputy State Health Officer for Children’s Medical Services (CMS), the Florida Department of Health (DOH) announced Friday. She is assuming the role from Dr. Dennis Cookro, who is retiring. Dr. Philip previously served the Florida Department of Health as medical director in Volusia County and Interim Bureau Chief for the Bureau of Communicable Diseases.
“Dr. Philip brings extensive academic and professional experience in public health,” said Dr. John Armstrong, State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health. “I am delighted that she has accepted the call to serve in this way and know that she will add to our Department’s collaborative outreach. I also want to thank Dr. Dennis Cookro for a job well done.”
Dr. Philip has served as interim director for DOH in Volusia, Calhoun and Liberty counties. In addition, she served as Medical Director for DOH in Polk County.
Dr. Philip graduated from Howard University in Washington DC magna cum laude, with a Bachelor’s Degree in English and Spanish. She later received a Master of Public Health in maternal and child health and a Doctor of Medicine from Loma Linda University in California. She completed her residency at Florida Hospital in Orlando and has remained committed to improving health in Florida throughout her career.
