Louisiana’s public health leadership is entering a new phase following the appointment of Dr. Evelyn Griffin as the state’s new Surgeon General by Governor Jeff Landry. The announcement, made Sunday, marks a significant change in direction for the Louisiana Department of Health as it confronts multiple ongoing challenges.
Dr. Griffin, a Baton Rouge-based obstetrician-gynecologist licensed in Louisiana since 2007, steps into the role after the departure of Dr. Ralph Abraham. Abraham recently accepted a federal appointment as director of the Center for Preparedness and Response at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, leaving the state’s top medical oversight position vacant.
Governor Jeff Landry praised Griffin’s medical background and independent approach to health policy, citing her focus on patient-centered care as a key factor in her selection. Unlike many high-profile state appointments, the Louisiana Surgeon General position does not require confirmation by the state Senate, allowing the transition to take place immediately.
Dr. Griffin has gained national attention in recent years for her outspoken criticism of federal pandemic policies. During public discussions in 2022, she questioned vaccine mandates and expressed support for broader use of alternative treatment options during the height of the COVID-19 crisis. Supporters describe her as a physician willing to challenge prevailing medical narratives, while critics argue her views diverge from established public health guidance.
Before her appointment, Griffin served as secretary of the Louisiana State Medical Society, where she remained active in policy discussions affecting physicians and hospitals across the state. Her elevation to Surgeon General comes at a time when Louisiana’s healthcare system is under intense scrutiny.
The Louisiana Department of Health, which the Surgeon General oversees, is currently addressing issues raised in a recent legislative audit, along with persistent concerns surrounding high maternal mortality rates. Additionally, the announced closure of a major maternity ward in New Orleans has intensified debate over access to maternal care in the region.
Health policy experts say Griffin’s leadership style and policy preferences will be closely watched as the state navigates these challenges. Her appointment also reflects Governor Landry’s broader push to reshape Louisiana’s public health strategy with an emphasis on state-level decision-making over federal directives.
Dr. Griffin is expected to begin her duties immediately, assuming responsibility for guiding the department through a period of heightened public attention and complex healthcare reforms.
