Dr. Mia Shim of Seattle named new county health officer

The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors today appointed Mia Shim, MD, MPH, as Sonoma County’s new health officer, replacing Dr. Michael Stacey, who has held this role on an interim basis since last November. Dr. Shim’s appointment becomes effective tomorrow. 

A public health executive and internal medicine physician, Dr. Shim brings more than 20 years of experience advancing population health, strengthening health care systems and guiding communities through public health emergencies. Most recently, she served as interim health officer and chief medical officer for Public Health — Seattle & King County, one of the largest local public health systems in the country, serving more than 2.3 million residents.

Throughout her career, Dr. Shim has led complex initiatives in health equity, communicable disease control, emergency preparedness, behavioral health and health care access. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she served as health chief for King County’s response, coordinating countywide strategies in partnership with health care systems, government agencies and community organizations — and contributing to King County achieving one of the highest COVID-19 vaccination rates and among the lowest death rates of large metropolitan counties in the United States.  As chief medical officer, Dr. Shim provided leadership across a broad portfolio of public health and healthcare services, strengthening integrated systems of care for diverse communities, particularly underserved and historically marginalized populations.

“We feel very fortunate to be bringing to Sonoma County a health officer with such relevant and extensive experience,” said Nolan Sullivan, director of the Department of Health Services. “I have no doubt that Dr. Shim will contribute greatly to the good health of our community.”

Dr. Shim earned both her medical degree and master of public health degree from the University of Washington and completed a clinical research fellowship through the National Institutes of Health. Her work in underserved communities in the U.S. and sub-Saharan Africa has shaped her commitment to partnership, equity and building systems that improve health outcomes for all.

The Health Officer serves as the chief medical officer and top health policy official for the County. Duties include providing medical expertise in response to emerging threats and issues, directing the clinical aspects of emergency response and providing medical consultative advice to clinicians. Additionally, the health officer assumes responsibility for critical departmental functions, such as the issuance of birth and death records, health and safety inspections of food facilities, oversight of medical practices and support of Department efforts to improve community health.

As Sonoma County’s health officer, Dr. Shim looks forward to partnering with residents, staff, health care providers, community organizations and local leaders to protect and improve the health and well-being of our community.

###

Media Contact:
Sheri Cardo, DHS Communications Specialist
sheri.cardo@sonomacounty.gov
(707) 565-8619