A family medical doctor honored by 樱花视频鈥檚 (COPH) for her philanthropic work has accepted a prominent position in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in Washington, D.C.
Dr. Stephanie Haridopolos, a recipient of the 2024 Florida Outstanding Woman in Public Health, has been appointed acting chief of staff and senior advisor in the office of the U.S. Surgeon General 鈭� known as the 鈥渘ation鈥檚 doctor.鈥欌�� A board-certified physician, she provides strategic guidance and leadership on initiatives aimed at improving the health of the American people.
鈥淭he award was a total surprise to me, a humble, wonderful award to receive,鈥欌�� she said. 鈥淚n my new position, I鈥檒l continue my work with public health, but on the federal level.鈥欌��
Since 1988, the COPH bestowed its award to a woman whose accomplishments and leadership contribute significantly to the field of public health. A well-known primary care physician, medical writer and philanthropist for more than 20 years, Haridopolos made an impact as chair of the board of Florida Healthy Kids, a nonprofit, public-private partnership. It was created by the Florida Legislature to expand access to affordable, child-centered health insurance.
In 2023, Haridopolos led a successful effort to increase eligibility for subsidized coverage from 200% to 300% of the federal poverty level for children in a health insurance program called Florida KidCare. She also played a pivotal role in addressing the opioid epidemic in Florida by supporting the enactment of the state鈥檚 Pill Mill law, which imposed stricter regulations on pain management clinics.
鈥淕etting involved in statewide health policy has driven me to help more people,鈥欌�� she said. 鈥淲hen the opportunity arose with this administration, I felt that the stars were aligned for me to take all this experience I had on the front lines and funnel it into a federal position. That鈥檚 why I鈥檓 here.鈥欌��
Haridpoplos family. (Photo courtesy of Haridopolos)
In her new role, Haridopolos also will promote the s, an elite group of 5,400 multidisciplinary officers working throughout the federal government to protect, promote and advance the nation鈥檚 health. She said the corps offers opportunities for college health care graduates to begin their careers.
Her passion for public health goes back to her childhood, when she overcame a serious heart condition and decided, without hesitation, to become a doctor.
鈥淚 was born with an atrial septal defect and had surgery in 1976 when I was four years old,鈥欌�� she said. 鈥淪o, I set my north star early in life and never deviated from it. I never take my health for granted because I started out as a very sick child. I do everything I can to lead a purpose-driven life.鈥欌��
That formative hardship engrained in her a desire to help people overcome health challenges from their own perspective.
鈥淚 started out life as a patient, and so I was always looking through the lens of a patient,鈥欌�� she said. 鈥淭he experience I had as a child created in me a yearning to give back something greater than myself. So, this has been a lifelong journey for me and I feel like I was meant to be here鈥欌�� (at HHS).
Heridopolis danced with world famous professional dancer Pasha Pashkov from the TV show Dancing With the Stars in an exhibition dance at Dancing with the Space Coast, an annual charity event in Brevard County. (Photo courtesy of Haridopolos)
Haridopolos balanced her volunteer work around her medical practice in Melbourne, and raising three children with her husband, Mike Haridopolos, a member of U.S. House of Representatives from Florida鈥檚 8th district. She admits the responsibilities of her new role will at times be stressful, and to succeed she needs a healthy work-life balance. Her routine includes eating right and plenty of vigorous exercise.
鈥淚鈥檓 a ballroom dancer,鈥欌�� she said of her favorite hobby. 鈥淚t鈥檚 good for the mind, body and soul. I鈥檒l dance until my body doesn鈥檛 let me anymore.鈥欌��