Tulare County introduces new public health officer, Dr. Asma Tarik

Tulare County Health and Human Services Agency officials introduced Dr. Asma Tarik on Tuesday as the county''s newly appointed public health officer.

Karen Elliott, Tulare County public health director, told the Board of Supervisors Dr. Tarik is a local resident who came to the area 12 years ago as a physician in training and later served as core faculty in the residency program. Elliott said Dr. Tarik has provided inpatient and outpatient care across local clinics and hospitals and ‘‘has a passion for upstream prevention’’ including outreach for underserved patients.

Dr. Tarik spoke briefly to the board and the public in the meeting chamber, saying, "It is a tremendous honor and privilege to have the opportunity to serve as health officer of Tulare County, a county that welcomed me when I came here 12 years ago as a physician in training," and that she looks forward to working to "protect, improve, and strengthen the health of our community, especially the vulnerable and the underserved."

Why it matters

The public introduction follows the county''s process for staffing public health leadership. County officials said Dr. Tarik brings local clinical experience and connections with regional medical institutions, which staff said will support prevention, community partnerships, and public‑health programs including maternal and child health initiatives.

Board response and next steps

Supervisors offered congratulations and took a photo with Dr. Tarik and HHSA staff following the introduction. County staff said Dr. Tarik will work with HHSA leadership, hospital partners and community clinics on priorities including preventive care and outreach to populations with limited access to services.

Ending

Dr. Tarik thanked the board and community and said she is committed to public service in Tulare County.