/State epidemiologist stepping down

State epidemiologist stepping down

The Mississippi State Department of Health spokeswoman confirmed Tuesday night that Dr. Thomas E. Dobbs will announce his resignation Wednesday, but that he had not yet submitted a formal letter of resignation. Dobbs’ resignation comes after a turbulent budget year for many agencies, which included the one he led. The budget of the health department was cut nearly 14 percent during the last legislative session. The cuts were decried by agency leaders, including Dr. Mary Currier, the health officer. A state law was passed that prohibited state agencies from collecting or receiving payments. This, according to officials at the health department, could have a further impact on revenues. Dobbs was appointed state epidemiologist in 2012. Dobbs received both his medical degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and a master’s in public health degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.