Polk County health director to take new position | Health

Polk County, FL-- The Florida Department of Health announced that Polk County Health Department (PCHD) Director, Dr. Daniel Haight, accepted the position of Associate Vice President of Community Health at Lakeland Regional Medical Center (LRMC). 

The transition, they say, is expected to occur over the next month, and Dr. Ulyee Choe will serve as Interim PCHD Director, as of November 19.

According to a release about the transition, Dr. Haight served as the Director of the county health department for more than 16 years and worked alongside numerous community partners, department staff and others to accomplish various objectives.

One final accomplishment will occur in late November when a decade-long effort to modernize all health department sites will be complete with the opening of the new Haines City clinic.

“As part of my career development, it is important for me to continue making an impact on the health of Polk County residents while still being involved in academics,” said Dr. Haight. “Joining Lakeland Regional Medical Center is an exciting opportunity.  As one of the largest health systems in the state, people’s lives are impacted every day by highly trained professional and compassionate staff.”

Dr. Ulyee Choe is board certified in internal medicine and infectious diseases. He is currently an assistant professor at the University of South Florida Division of Infectious Disease and International Medicine, and has been working closely with Dr. Haight on various healthcare initiatives.