Philadelphia has a new health commissioner, Dr. Palak Raval-Nelson.
She has close to 30 years of experience and is familiar with the city and its health programs.
Mayor Cherelle L. Parker made the announcement at City Hall and said Dr. Raval-Nelson is the right person for the job.
She knows Philly well and understands its public health challenges and strengths.
Dr. Raval-Nelson started her journey with the city back in 1996.
Her first job was as a public health sanitarian, where she inspected food and made sure public places were safe.
On her second day on the job, she found expired infant formula at a store in Kensington and got it removed.
And that moment changed everything for her since she realized how much good she could do in public health.
From that point, she decided to focus her career on improving public health instead of attending medical school.
Over the years, she climbed the ranks in the health department.
Most recently, she served as deputy health commissioner, handling important areas like Environmental Health Services, Air Management Services, the AIDS Activities Coordinating Office, and the Public Health Lab.
She has been involved in some of the city’s biggest public health efforts, always working to make things better for the people of Philadelphia.
She has a Ph.D. in Environmental Health and Policy from Drexel University, an M.P.H. from MCP Hahnemann University, and a B.S. in Biology from Temple University.
She also teaches as an adjunct professor at Drexel University and Temple University, where she shares her knowledge about public health, environmental health, and how these affect vulnerable populations.
So, Mayor Parker clearly didn’t pick her by accident.
There was a nationwide search to find the best person for the job, and Dr. Raval-Nelson stood out.
Her experience and dedication to Philadelphia’s people made her the clear choice.
The mayor pointed out how well Dr. Raval-Nelson understands the city’s challenges, like how social and economic factors affect someone’s health.
That understanding and her focus on fairness and equity made her the perfect fit.
The Department of Public Health is a huge responsibility.
It handles everything from city health centers to the medical examiner’s office, as well as public health emergencies and infectious disease prevention.
It’s had a tough few years, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic and other challenges.
With Dr. Raval-Nelson now leading, the department is set for a fresh start.
She’s stepping in after Dr. Frank Franklin, who has been the interim commissioner.
Dr. Franklin did a great job keeping things running during the leadership gap and will continue to be part of the team as deputy commissioner.
One of the biggest challenges Dr. Raval-Nelson will face is the opioid crisis, especially in Kensington.
The neighborhood has been struggling with open-air drug markets and the effects of addiction.
Dr. Raval-Nelson and Mayor Parker agree on the need for bold action to address this crisis while being thoughtful and respectful to those affected.
As it stands, Dr. Raval-Nelson will officially start her new role on December 23, 2024.
With her years of experience, deep connection to the city, and focus on making healthcare fair and accessible for everyone, she’s ready to take on this big role.
It’s a new chapter for Philadelphia’s public health, and people hope her leadership will bring positive change to the city.
