HYDE-SMITH PAYS TRIBUTE TO DR. THOMAS DOBBS
Senator Delivers Speech Honoring Outgoing Mississippi State Health Officer
VIDEO: Senator Hyde-Smith Honors Dr. Thomas Dobbs, State Health Officer.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today delivered a tribute to Mississippi State Health Officer, Dr. Thomas Dobbs, who is resigning the post at the end of July.
In her floor speech, Hyde-Smith expressed admiration and gratitude for Dobbs and his work to lead Mississippians through the worst of the global coronavirus pandemic. Dobbs, who became State Health Officer in December 2018, has indicated a desire to continue his work as an expert in the field of infectious diseases.
“Dr. Dobbs’ experience and expertise made him the perfect professional to lead Mississippians through a pandemic. With a belief that each person in Mississippi was his patient, Dr. Dobbs worked tirelessly throughout his tenure to care for our nearly 3 million residents,” Hyde-Smith said.
“There are not enough thanks in the world that could cover all that Dr. Dobbs has done for Mississippi, but I say from the bottom of my heart, ‘Thank you, Dr. Dobbs. Your service and sacrifice on behalf of Mississippi reflects well on you and your profession,’” she added.
Read Hyde-Smith’s remarks below:
Mr. President, I rise to express deep appreciation for Mississippi State Health Officer, Dr. Thomas Dobbs, a friend and leader to all of the frontline healthcare workers in my state.
Dr. Dobbs joined the Mississippi State Department of Health as the State Health Officer in December 2018. After three and a half years and a global pandemic that none of us saw coming, he will soon step down from this role and return to the clinical side of medicine.
Mississippi’s State Health Officer is responsible for directing public health activities related to the state’s many health challenges, which included my state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr. Dobbs’ experience and expertise made him the perfect professional to lead Mississippians through this pandemic.
With a belief that each person in Mississippi was his patient, Dr. Dobbs worked tirelessly throughout his tenure to care for our nearly 3 million residents.
From the start, Dr. Dobbs was steadfast in informing and advising citizens, policymakers, and healthcare providers on the best practices to combat the deadly coronavirus. He never wavered despite evolving challenges and so many tragic COVID-related deaths.
He is one of the country’s most respected public health officers, having earned a stellar reputation for his clinical work in the field of infectious diseases. Dr. Thomas Dobbs proved himself to be the leader Mississippi needed during a very difficult time.
I am saddened to see Dr. Dobbs leave the Mississippi State Department of Health, but I am confident he will continue to do great things.
There are not enough thanks in the world that could cover all that Dr. Dobbs has done for Mississippi, but I say from the bottom of my heart, “Thank you, Dr. Dobbs. Your service and sacrifice on behalf of Mississippi reflects well on you and your profession.”
I am also grateful for his wife, Dr. Kim Dobbs, and their two sons, Wyn and Max, for sharing so much of their husband and father during this time.
As Dr. Dobbs departs the State Department of Health, I look forward to continue working with him and the new State Health Officer, Dr. Dan Edney, in making Mississippi healthier and happier.
Thank you, again, so much, Dr. Dobbs.
###