BATON ROUGE, La. — Gov. Jeff Landry has appointed Evelyn Griffin, MD, as Louisiana’s next surgeon general, citing her clinical experience and leadership in maternal health as key qualifications for the role.
“Dr. Evelyn Griffin embodies the expertise and commitment that the people of Louisiana deserve in a Surgeon General,” Landry said. “Her clinical experience, her leadership in advancing maternal health, and her dedication to strengthening the doctor-patient relationship make her the exact right choice for this role.”
Louisiana Department of Health Secretary Bruce Greenstein said Griffin brings a strong focus on prevention and healthy living. “The role of the Surgeon General is critical to improving health outcomes, and Dr. Griffin has a passion for teaching people about living a healthy life and a strong voice on nutrition and healthy foods,” Greenstein said.
Griffin said she is honored to accept the appointment and acknowledged the work of outgoing Surgeon General Dr. Ralph Abraham and Deputy Surgeon General Dr. Wyche Coleman. “I am committed to safeguarding the integrity of the patient-doctor relationship by upholding informed consent and respecting individual rights,” she said. She added that she looks forward to partnering with state leadership and residents to advance public health.
Griffin is a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist with additional certification from the Institute for Functional Medicine. Among the first robotically trained gynecologic surgeons in her region, she has extensive experience treating fibroids, endometriosis, and urogynecologic conditions.
Her obstetrics work has focused on reducing maternal morbidity and mortality, including complications related to hypertensive disorders and postpartum hemorrhage. She earned her medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine and completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Louisiana State University in New Orleans. She practiced for 15 years in a multispecialty clinic and hospital system and currently serves as an obstetric hospitalist.
Griffin also launched a preventive health initiative aimed at reducing chronic disease and serves on the Advisory Panel for Immunization Practices, which provides guidance to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.