Biography: Leslie M. Beitsch, MD, JD

 
Leslie M. Beitsch, MD, JD joined the faculty at the Florida State University College of Medicine in November 2003 as Professor of Health Policy and Director of the Center for Medicine and Public Health.

From June 2001 until November 2003, Dr. Beitsch was the Commissioner of the Oklahoma State Department of Health.  In that role he provided oversight for 2500 employees and a budget of $260,000,000. 

Dr. Beitsch served as Deputy Secretary and Assistant State Health Officer for the Florida Department of Health from 1997-2001.  He provided guidance and direction for public health programs, the county health departments, the state laboratory and pharmacy.  Prior to this appointment, Dr. Beitsch served as the Division Director for Family Health Services from October 1991 through August 1997, focusing on maternal and child health.  From October 1989 through October 1991, Dr. Beitsch was Medical Director of the Broward County Health Department in Ft. Lauderdale.

Dr. Beitsch has been an active member in several organizations including the American Public Health Association; the Florida Public Health Association; the Florida Association of County Health Officials; the Florida Medical Association, Capital Medical Society (Indigent Care Committee); the Oklahoma Public Health Association, the Oklahoma State Medical Association; and the Florida Healthy Mothers/Healthy Babies Coalition. He has been an active member of committees representing the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials and committees advising the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Currently, he is a member of the board of directors of the Public Health Foundation and the Public Health Leadership Society.  Until his move to Oklahoma, Dr. Beitsch volunteered and served on the Board of Directors for the Neighborhood Health Services clinic in Tallahassee, providing health services to the uninsured.   In addition to his faculty duties at Florida State, he is adjunct professor at the College of Public Health, University of South Florida College of Public Health and the College of Public Health at the University of Oklahoma.

Dr. Beitsch received his medical degree in 1980 from Georgetown University and his law degree in 1988 from Harvard Law School.  He is board certified in preventive medicine.