Indy Doctor Named Indiana Health Commissioner

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Gov. Mike Pence has named Indianapolis anesthesiologist Dr. Jerome Adams to be commissioner of the Indiana State Department of Health.

Adams is a staff anesthesiologist at Eskenazi Health and an assistant professor of clinical anesthesia at the Indiana University School of Medicine. He previously, was an anesthesiologist at Ball Memorial Hospital in Muncie and a physician rapid responder at Indianapolis Orthopedic Hospital.

Adams chairs the professional diversity committee for the American Society of Anesthesiologists and serves on the executive committee for the Indiana State Medical Association.

Pence said Wednesday that Adams' public service and academic achievements make Adams the ideal candidate to serve as health commissioner.

Adams succeeds Dr. William VanNess, who resigned in August for personal reasons.