MSDH appoints new Agency Medical Director

JACKSON, Miss. (VDN) – The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) has appointed Dr. Tami Brooks as its new Agency Medical Director. In this role, Brooks will provide medical oversight and expertise across all program areas, ensuring MSDH initiatives reflect the highest standards of public health and medical care.

A pediatrician with nearly 30 years of experience, Brooks began her career at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC), where she served on the pediatrics faculty for 24 years and rose to the rank of professor. Most recently, she practiced pediatrics in Starkville and served as the Medical Director of the Starkville Pediatric Extended Care Facility.

“The Department of Health is fortunate to have Dr. Brooks’ expertise,” said Dr. Dan Edney, MSDH Executive Director and State Health Officer. “Her vast experience that spans public health, state government, and private sector healthcare will help elevate the important work we are doing in protecting the health of Mississippians.”

Brooks has previously served MSDH in multiple advisory roles, including participation in the Genetics Advisory Committee, Vaccine Coalition, SIDS Coalition, Child Death Review Panel, and the Closing the Gap on Infant Mortality Initiative. She has also held leadership roles at the state and national level, including Medical Director of the Mississippi Division of Medicaid and Chair of State Government Affairs and Advocacy for the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Her accolades include the CDC Childhood Immunization Champion Award and UMMC’s Sorey Award for Outstanding Teacher in Pediatrics.

“Having spent nearly three decades practicing pediatrics in this state and advocating for children and their families, I understand how important public health and the programs implemented by MSDH are to these families,” Brooks said. “It is an honor to now be integrally involved with these programs and all that public health encompasses.”

Brooks earned her medical degree and completed her pediatric residency at UMMC. She holds a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences and education from Mississippi State University.