Dr. Vilma J. Wooten: Leading with Resilience and Impact during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Dr. Vilma J. Wooten, the public health officer of San Diego County, has recently received a prestigious award from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) for her outstanding leadership and commitment to public health. The Beverly A. Myers Award for Excellence in Public Health recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the field of public health.

Dr. Wooten was honored at an awards ceremony held in Sacramento, where she was recognized for her 23 years of service to the district and her exceptional leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic. CDPH leadership commended Dr. Wooten for her resilience and character that shone through during the challenges presented by the pandemic. Susan Fanelli, Principal Deputy Director at CDPH, highlighted Dr. Wooten’s ability to break down barriers and serve as a role model for aspiring black American girls interested in careers in medicine and science.

Dr. Wooten’s journey to becoming a leader in public health began in rural Alabama, where she was the first person in her family to attend college. After graduating from Spelman College with a bachelor’s degree in biology, she earned a master’s degree in public health from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, where she also completed her doctorate in medicine. In her acceptance speech for the award, Dr. Wooten expressed her gratitude to her Public Health Service team and fellow state health officials for their support.

She emphasized the importance of adhering to the American Public Health Association’s “10 Essentials of Public Health” and shared valuable lessons that have guided her throughout her career. Dr. Wooten advised others to seek feedback from different perspectives when implementing new ideas and not to dwell on things beyond their control.

The Beverly A. Myers Award, established in 1993 in honor of Beverly A. Myers, acknowledges extraordinary contributions of public health experts like Dr