LA PLATA, Md.—The Charles County Department of Health announced the retirement of Dr. Chinnadurai Devadason, or "Dr. D" as he is called, as Charles County's Health Officer. The Commissioners are thankful to Dr. Devadason for his long tenure of dedicated service to the citizens of Charles County.
"After 22 years of service to Charles County, I am announcing my retirement," said Dr. Devadason. I have welcomed the challenges and opportunities presented to me as health officer of Charles County, and trust that the county is a better place because of my efforts. I would like to thank the Commissioners, the residents, and my Department of Health staff for the support and assistance I have received over the years."
Dr. Devadason's retirement marks the end of an outstanding 29-year public health service career in Charles County as well as the State of Maryland. He has been in his current position as health officer of Charles County since October 1995.
"Dr. D has been an exceptional leader and champion of health initiatives in Charles County. We have benefited greatly from his knowledge and expertise, and because of his unwavering service, Charles County has made significant advances in public health," said Commissioner President Candice Quinn Kelly. "On behalf of the entire Board, I want to thank Dr. D and wish him all the best in his retirement."
From 1988 to 1995, he was director of the Family Health Administration for the Maryland State Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, and prior to that he was health officer of Charles County from 1983 until 1988. He has also been serving as health officer of Queen Anne's County, Md. Before coming to Maryland, Dr. Devadason held various medical positions in the Canadian Public Health System.
Dr. Devadason's duties as health officer included overseeing a staff of more than 240 employees, and directing more than 60 medical, family, and behavioral health initiatives focused on improving the health outcomes of county residents. Dr. Devadason has worked tirelessly to advance the health of the citizens of Charles County and Maryland by serving as a health advocate in both county and state legislatures and as a leader in innovative public health practices.
In addition to his duties as a health officer, Dr. Devadason served as president of the Charles County Medical Society, he sits on the Board of Directors of Civista Medical Center, and is a trustee for the Maryland Medical Society (MedChi). In 2008, he was presented with the prestigious Henry and Page Laughlin Award as Maryland's Distinguished Health Officer.
Dr. Devadason received his medical degree from the University of Madras, India, in 1965. He received advanced degrees in various fields of public health from the University of Toronto, Canada, the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons in the United Kingdom, and the Royal College of Physicians in Canada.
Source: Charles County Government