Tulare County Selects New Public Health Officer

On February 11, the Tulare County Board of Supervisors voted to appoint Dr. Asma Tariq to the position of County Health Officer, effective May 4. Dr. Tariq fills the position that has been vacant since Dr. Karen Haught retired in 2023.

Dr. Tariq is a practicing family medicine physician with a passion for teaching and preventative health. She currently provides care in the outpatient and hospital settings and is a core faculty member for the Kaweah Health Family Medicine Residency Program. She also serves as a volunteer faculty member for the University of Southern California.

In her new role, Dr. Tariq will oversee public health initiatives and advocate for education, prevention, and health promotion. She is a lifelong learner and will expand her scope of work by directly engaging in public health programs that foster a community's overall well-being.

Dr. Tariq will assist the agency with improving health outcomes by identifying the needs within Tulare County and collaborating with internal and external partners to meet objectives and working to advance health equity.

"Dr. Tariq recognizes the diverse needs of our underserved population," said Tulare County Public Health Director Karen Elliott. "She has provided clinical services to our county residents for 12 years and understands the importance of preventative care and health education.

"I look forward to her joining the Tulare County Public Health team and the commitment she brings to improve the well-being of our community," she added.

Dr. Tariq graduated from Aga Khan University in Pakistan with a Bachelor of Medicine and a Bachelor of Surgery. She is board-certified through the American Board of Family Medicine and completed her Family Medicine Residency at Kaweah Health.