TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Dr. Joseph Ladapo, Florida’s controversial surgeon general, is one vote away from being confirmed by the Florida Senate, despite strong opposition from Democrats who say he has failed to promote COVID-19 vaccines, masks and other measures to slow the spread of the virus.
The Senate’s Ethics and Elections Committee voted 5-4 on party lines in favor of Ladapo’s confirmation. The full Senate will vote next on his confirmation.
Grilled by Democrats over his stance on COVID-19 shots, Ladapo wouldn’t say whether he had gotten the vaccine and a booster dose, saying it is his private medical information. As surgeon general, Ladapo oversees the Department of Health and is Florida’s top public health official.
“Our approach at the Department of Health has been to provide education and access,” Ladapo said. “What we have seen during this pandemic has been not so much that but rather coercion and sometimes unfortunately propaganda.”
Ladapo faced questions from Democrats about his ties to a fringe doctors’ group, a bad reference and his work at the University of Florida.
Democrats questioned Ladapo’s support of America’s Frontline Doctors, which held a controversial press conference in July 2020 in front of the U.S. Supreme Court building.
Ladapo stood with other doctors in white coats at the event, which promoted zinc and the anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine as a COVID-19 “cure” and blasted lockdowns and other COVID-19 restrictions.
State Sen. Tina Polsky pressed Ladapo on why he participated. The Boca Raton Democrat clashed with Ladapo in October over his refusal to wear a mask when meeting with her. Polsky had recently been diagnosed with breast cancer.
Ladapo said he joined because he supports “individual autonomy” in public health.
“What they stood for that I supported then and still support now is the importance of recognizing individual autonomy when making public health policy,” Ladapo said. “That is something that I have been consistently supportive of in terms of the importance of recognizing and respecting the individual preferences and diversity of perspectives and opinions.”
Ladapo himself did not call hydroxychloroquine a cure at the July 2020 press conference. He said doctors shouldn’t be limited in using it to treat COVID-19.
Then-President Donald Trump shared a video of the press conference, which was later labeled misinformation by social media platforms and taken down. Research has indicated that hydroxychloroquine is not an effective COVID-19 treatment, and the Food and Drug Administration advises against its usage.
Simone Gold, the founder of America’s Frontline Doctors, was one of the people charged with breaking into the U.S. Capitol during the Jan. 6, 2021, attack. Stella Immanuel, another group member, has a history of making outlandish medical claims, including that genealogical problems are caused by sex with demons in dreams.
Asked about whether he would recommend ivermectin to treat COVID-19, Ladapo said the science is “unsettled,” and he thinks patients should consult with their doctor. The FDA has not authorized ivermectin as a COVID-19 treatment and has warned against taking large doses. The drug is approved for human use to treat infections caused by some parasitic worms and head lice and skin conditions like rosacea.
The son of Nigerian immigrants, Ladapo is a graduate of Harvard Medical School and worked as a physician and researcher at UCLA before being named surgeon general. He also serves as a professor at the University of Florida.
Ladapo has been a polarizing figure since he was appointed to the post by Gov. Ron DeSantis in September. Ladapo’s views mirror DeSantis’ hands-off approach toward the pandemic. He’s stressed a “holistic” approach toward COVID-19 that involves healthy eating and exercise to improve overall health and the ability to fight off viruses.
Ladapo’s supervisor at UCLA didn’t recommend Ladapo be hired as surgeon general, according to a Florida Department of Law Enforcement background check, first reported on by the Tallahassee Democrat.
“In my opinion, the people of Florida would be better served by a Surgeon General who grounds his policy decisions and recommendations on the best scientific evidence rather than opinions,” the unnamed supervisor said.
Asked about that review, Ladapo said other colleagues wrote letters of recommendations.
Ladapo earns a combined $437,000 for his dual roles as a UF professor and surgeon general, according to the Department of Health and the University of Florida. He declined to say how many hours he works specifically on UF projects. He said he doesn’t teach any classes, but he does research, mentioning one study he is doing on weight-loss strategies.
Democrats said Ladapo’s positions not aligned with most public health experts are a threat to Floridians.
“Your policy positions are dangerous,” said state Sen. Randolph Bracy, D-Orlando.
State Rep. Doug Broxson, R-Pensacola, defended Ladapo and criticized the questioning from Democrats.
“We have gone through a hazing and a badgering of this witness who has given in my estimation incredible responses, incredible patience to very suspicious questions,” Broxson said.
During the first hearing on Jan. 26, Democrats walked out in protest because they thought Ladapo was evading their questions. Ladapo said he thought he adequately answered the questions.
Republicans on that committee unanimously recommended his confirmation.
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