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Gov. Lee appoints Dr. Ralph Alvarado to Commissioner position of TN Department of Health

Alvarado has diverse professional experience in Tennessee, including hospital management and nearly 30 years of service as an attending physician.
Credit: TN.Gov

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced the appointment of Dr. Ralph Alvarado as commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Health. That appointment will take effect January 16.

Dr. Alvarado will succeed Interim Health Commissioner Dr. Morgan McDonald.

“Dr. McDonald is a dedicated public servant, and I commend her continued leadership during this time of transition,” Lee said in a press release. “Dr. Alvarado’s significant clinical and hospital management experience make him well-positioned to lead the Department of Health, and I appreciate his service to Tennesseans.”

Alvarado is the Chief Executive Officer of Alvarado Medical Services, a healthcare organization serving Kentucky communities. Alvarado also has decades of diverse professional experience in Tennessee, including hospital management and nearly 30 years of service as an attending physician. 

“It’s an honor to join Governor Lee’s team to advance health and prosperity for every Tennessean,” Alvarado said in a press release. “I appreciate this opportunity and look forward to serving individuals and families across the Volunteer State.”

He earned his undergraduate and medical degrees from Loma Linda University and completed his residency in internal medicine and pediatrics at the University of Kentucky. Alvarado has served in the Kentucky State Senate since 2015 and has led the Senate Health and Welfare Committee as chairman since 2019. Alvarado is currently co-chairman of the National Coalition of Physician Legislators.

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