Dr. Gregory said Dr. Beitsch has used community partnership methods in Florida to increase prenatal care and reduce infant mortality. According to United Health Group's State Health Report for 2000, Florida's national ranking for adequacy of prenatal care improved from 42 nd to 15 th from 1990 through 2000. During the same period, Florida's national ranking for infant mortality improved from 37 th to 24 th . Florida has also achieved remarkable decreases in prevalence of smoking since 1990. The state moved from 37 th nationally in 1990 to 9 th in 2000.
Smoking is a leading indicator in underweight and premature births.
Dr. Beitsch has a proven track record of achievement in improving public health awareness, partnerships and most importantly, health indicators in the population. He believes we need a clear vision for public health improvement with logical steps and evidence-based practice. He understands the importance of developing community leaders for the improvement of the public's health. Dr. Beitsch possesses a Juris Doctorate from Harvard Law School and an M.D. from Georgetown University School of Medicine. He also serves on several national advisory committees related to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials.