Guinn names Lee state health officer

Thursday, Aug. 21, 2003 | 9:43 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- Nevada has a state health officer for the first time in more than 19 months.

Gov. Kenny Guinn said Wednesday that Dr. Bradford Lee has been hired for the $138,128-a-year job. Lee is now responsible for enforcing public health laws. Lee served in the Air Force for more than 29 years. He was originally licensed to practice in Nevada in 2002.

The state had hired one health officer but then learned that he didn't have the qualifications to be licensed by the state Board of Medical Examiners. The 2003 Legislature modified the law to allow the licensing of an "administrative physician" for health officer. A physician could fill the job but his medical practice would be limited.

Lee is fully licensed.

He received his medical degree from Howard University College of Medicine in 1978. He also earned a law degree from McGeorge School of Law in California in 1991 and a master's degree in business administration from Golden State University in California in 1994

Guinn said Lee's military and medical background will ensure Nevada is prepared "in this time of need" for enhanced public health readiness and close coordination among many agencies.

Lee is participating in the Determined Promise simulated military exercise being conducted in Logandale this week and made the call to the federal government Monday to send more medicine to Southern Nevada as part of that exercise, officials said.