Rockland County Executive C. Scott Vanderhoef appointed Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert as the county’s new commissioner of health on Thursday. She begins on July 1 and fills the vacancy left by Dr. Joan Facelle, who retired five months ago, after 12 years in the position.
Dr. Ruppert, 54, is board certified in Family Medicine and has extensive experience in primary care, rehabilitation care, and specialty medicine in private offices, clinics and hospital settings. She has served as president of the Medical Staff at Helen Hayes Hospital and as assistant clinical professor of Medicine at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons.
The Stony Point resident is married with three children. Dr. Ruppert’s annual salary is $157,349. She has been named as one of “America’s Top Family Doctors.”
“Dr. Ruppert is recognized as an expert in medical care and has earned a reputation with fellow physicians, administration, and staff as highly competent, motivated, and skilled at patient care and professional management,” said Vanderhoef. “I am confident that her experience, leadership and dedication will serve to protect the health of residents of Rockland County.”
He thanked acting Health Commissioner Kathy Henry for her leadership and supervision of the Health Department after Dr. Facelle’s resignation. “I view all of the residents of Rockland as my own patients whose well-being I will strive to promote during my tenure,” said Dr. Ruppert. “I am proud to raise my family in Rockland and hope to improve the health and safety for those who live, work, and visit our great county.”
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