Pasadena City Manager Steve Mermell has appointed Dr. Ying-Ying Goh to lead the Pasadena Public Health Department (PPHD). Dr. Goh is a board-certified pediatrician and has been serving as the city’s health officer since 2015. In this new role, Dr. Goh will continue to serve as the city’s health officer.
Prior to her appointment as PPHD’s director of public health, Dr. Goh served as medical director for programs and research for the Department, securing grant funding and managing programs related to diabetes care management and childhood obesity prevention. Her professional experience includes clinical pediatric practice; management of a California Endowment task force to improve healthcare access and quality in Los Angeles County; design and implementation of a case management program for seniors with chronic conditions; and research to improve nutrition and physical activity for youth.
Dr. Goh earned a bachelor’s degree from Stanford University, a medical degree from the Stanford University School of Medicine and a master’s degree in health services from the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, and she completed pediatric residency programs at Boston Children’s Hospital and Boston Medical Center.
“Dr. Goh brings valuable insight in the areas of public policy, research and medicine. She has worked on a wide range of special projects to bring healthcare access, community-based programs and grant funding to our city, improving the quality of life for so many. Her educational background and years of experience provide a beneficial perspective and strengthen an already outstanding group of dedicated employees,” said Mermell.
Michael Johnson has been the city’s director of public health since 2015 and will retire at the end of April, at which time Dr. Goh will transition into the role.
