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.