Rebekah Gee

Dr Rebekah Gee

Rebekah Gee is an American physician and health policy expert who has made significant contributions to public health, particularly in the state of Louisiana. She is best known for her role as the Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health under Governor John Bel Edwards, where she served from 2016 to 2020. Gee's tenure at the department was marked by efforts to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, which resulted in hundreds of thousands of Louisiana residents gaining health insurance coverage.

Early Life and Education

Rebekah Gee was born in Utah and grew up in a family that emphasized the importance of service and education. She pursued her undergraduate education at Columbia University in New York City, where she majored in American History. After completing her bachelor's degree, Gee went on to earn a medical degree from the Weill Cornell Medical College and a Master's in Public Health from the Harvard School of Public Health. Her educational background laid the foundation for her dual career in medicine and health policy.

Career

Before her appointment as Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health, Gee held various positions in the medical and public health fields. She was a practicing obstetrician/gynecologist and a professor at the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center. Gee's academic and professional work has focused on improving access to healthcare, particularly for underserved populations, and addressing health disparities.

As Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health, Gee spearheaded the state's Medicaid expansion, which was one of her most notable achievements. This initiative not only increased access to healthcare for Louisiana residents but also improved health outcomes by ensuring that more people received preventive care and treatment for chronic conditions. Gee also worked on initiatives to combat the opioid epidemic, reduce maternal mortality, and improve child health services.

Post-Tenure Activities

After leaving her position as Secretary in 2020, Rebekah Gee continued to be involved in health policy and advocacy. She has served on various boards and committees dedicated to improving public health and healthcare delivery. Gee's ongoing work includes efforts to address health equity and to leverage technology and innovation in healthcare.

Legacy and Impact

Rebekah Gee's work in Louisiana has had a lasting impact on the state's healthcare system. Her efforts to expand Medicaid and address critical health issues have contributed to significant improvements in public health metrics. Gee is recognized for her leadership in health policy and her commitment to serving vulnerable populations.

See Also

• Healthcare in the United States
• Medicaid
• Public Health
• Health Equity