Pinellas County Health Department Initiatives: Opportunities for Physician Involvement

The Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County (DOH-Pinellas) continues to expand its public health efforts with initiatives aimed at improving population health outcomes, addressing social determinants of health, and reducing preventable disease burdens. These initiatives present unique engagement opportunities for physicians across specialties who are looking to expand their community impact, diversify their clinical practice, or contribute to health equity and prevention-based medicine.

1. Community-Based Health Screenings and Outreach Clinics
DOH-Pinellas regularly partners with local providers to staff pop-up clinics and screening events, particularly in underserved zip codes with elevated rates of chronic disease, maternal-infant health disparities, and limited primary care access. Physicians can participate in mobile outreach efforts, providing acute and preventive care, offering patient education, or assisting in targeted screenings for hypertension, diabetes, and STIs. Participation in these clinics often counts toward continuing education or community service credits and can offer valuable exposure to diverse patient populations.

2. Infectious Disease Management and Surveillance Support
The Health Department plays a critical role in managing reportable diseases, outbreaks, and vaccination efforts. Physicians can collaborate with public health officials in early detection efforts, reporting, and evidence-based containment protocols. There are growing opportunities for physician advisors in local COVID-19 post-pandemic planning, tuberculosis prevention, and HIV/STD services, especially with a renewed push for PrEP access and treatment continuity in high-risk populations.

3. Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Response
With Florida’s vulnerability to hurricanes and climate-related events, DOH-Pinellas maintains a strong emphasis on disaster response planning. Physicians are encouraged to register with the Florida Emergency Registry of Volunteers (SERV-FL) and contribute to medical response teams during natural disasters and public health emergencies. Physicians with backgrounds in urgent care, trauma, or internal medicine are particularly well-positioned to provide leadership in these scenarios.

4. Maternal, Infant, and Adolescent Health Programs
DOH-Pinellas is scaling programs that aim to reduce infant mortality, support prenatal health, and improve adolescent access to sexual and reproductive health services. Obstetricians, pediatricians, and adolescent medicine specialists are sought after as collaborators and advocates in programs like Healthy Start, WIC integration, and school-based health initiatives. These efforts often include case coordination with public health nurses and midwives, enabling physicians to drive better outcomes at the systems level.

5. Collaborative Chronic Disease Prevention Models
There is a growing need for physician partners in lifestyle medicine, especially for obesity, smoking cessation, and diabetes prevention. DOH-Pinellas is aligning with primary care and endocrinology groups to pilot community health worker models and integrate evidence-based coaching programs. Physicians interested in value-based care models or team-based prevention approaches are encouraged to participate in program planning or oversight roles.

6. Data Sharing, Advisory Boards, and Policy Influence
Physicians have the opportunity to serve on local advisory committees or working groups that influence health policy, grant distribution, and community health improvement plans (CHIPs). This includes advising on the county’s Community Health Assessment (CHA), shaping strategic plans, or interpreting regional epidemiological data to guide funding priorities and program development.

Conclusion
Physician involvement in public health initiatives is more than community service—it is a critical extension of clinical leadership. By collaborating with DOH-Pinellas, physicians can shape population-level interventions, address health inequities, and reinforce their role as stewards of both individual and community well-being. To explore opportunities or register interest, physicians can visit pinellas.floridahealth.gov or connect directly with the department’s Physician Engagement Liaison.