facebook-pixel

U. pediatrician to be Utah health department’s new deputy director

Dr. Michelle Hofmann has directed the state’s COVID-19 response in long-term care facilities.

(Photo courtesy of the Utah Department of Public Health) Dr. Michelle Hofmann, who has been named deputy director of the Utah Department of Health, replaces Dr. Joseph Miner, who retired after over 35 years with UDOH and the Utah County Health Department.

The Utah Department of Public Health said Tuesday that it has appointed a new deputy director to replace Dr. Joseph Miner, who retired at the start of the year.

Dr. Michelle Hofmann, a pediatrician at the University of Utah, joined UDOH in August as the manager of the Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance Program, according to a news release. She also led a team of infection preventionists, epidemiologists and health educators in trying to keep residents and staff in long-term health facilities safe from the coronavirus.

“The UDOH is fortunate to have such a highly talented, respected and passionate physician joining our leadership team,” Rich Saunders, executive director of the UDOH, said in a statement. “Dr. Hofmann’s skill set complements the agency’s strong leadership team and will help take the department to even greater heights. I am grateful to Dr. Hofmann for accepting this role, especially under the current circumstances with COVID-19 adding to the complexity of the position.”

Hofmann will work alongside the organization’s other deputy director, Heather Borski.