From Combat to the Capitol: Innovations in Prev Med, Mental Health and Federal Healthcare Leadership- Dr. Leith States.
- wardocspodcast
- Jun 27
- 4 min read
In this compelling episode of WarDocs, we delve into the transformative journey of Dr. Leith States. Dr. States shares his path from aspiring Navy Doc to a leading force in military and federal healthcare, highlighting his dedication to preventive care, public health, and veteran mental health.
A Journey from the Battlefield to Federal Leadership
Dr. States opens up about his military family background and the personal experiences that shifted his career aspirations from the Marines to medicine. He shares the poignant story of a close friend's illness that inspired his pursuit of a medical career. His narrative offers a unique perspective on the critical role of preventive care during his time as a Battalion Surgeon in Operation Enduring Freedom.
Leadership in Preventive Medicine
In his role as a leader in preventive medicine within the Navy, Dr. States recounts his experiences tackling a communicable disease threat during RIMPAC on the USS America. This chapter of his career highlights the importance of adaptability, problem-solving, and interagency collaboration in public health leadership. His transition to federal healthcare roles underscores the value of these skills in managing systemic challenges and fostering cross-departmental relationships.
Public Health Advancements and Interagency Collaboration
Dr. States discusses significant strides in public health, including the rescheduling of marijuana and the evolving landscape of mental health resources for veterans. He emphasizes the role of the United States Public Health Service in collaborating with agencies like the Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs, offering insights into how public health priorities intersect with regulatory and military structures.
Supporting Veteran Mental Health
The conversation shifts to the importance of mental health support for veterans, particularly in preventing isolation and its negative impacts. Dr. States advocates for comprehensive screening, stigma reduction, and resilience building throughout military service. He also highlights the promising potential of psychedelic-assisted therapies as alternatives to opioids, underscoring the need for better engagement and trust-building within the veteran community.
Leadership, Personal Growth, and Legacy
Dr. States reflects on leadership, personal growth, and the significance of leaving a lasting legacy. He shares personal experiences that illustrate the values of resilience, trust-building, and learning from both successes and failures. His story serves as an inspiring call to pursue healthcare with purpose, emphasizing justice, mercy, and humility.
HOW TO LISTEN AND WATCH
The episode featuring Dr. States is available on YouTube and all major podcast platforms. Here are some popular links that will bring you directly to the episode:
YouTube: https://youtu.be/QTjkw0lKWAk
Dr. States Biography
Dr. States, as acting Assistant Secretary for Health (ASH), oversaw the U.S. Public Health Service (PHS), a key division of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), directing strategy for over 5,400 health professionals in the PHS Commissioned Corps. He led the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health (OASH), managing nine program offices, the Surgeon General’s office, 10 regional offices, a 500-person staff, and a $700 million budget. As Chief Medical Officer, he advised on public health issues, using data-driven insights to guide recommendations. As Deputy and Acting Director of OASH’s Office of Science and Medicine, he led the InnovationX portfolio (KidneyX, LymeX, PreventionX) and established offices for climate change, health equity, and Long Covid research. He spearheaded a 2023 analysis recommending cannabis rescheduling, collaborating with FDA, NIH, and DEA.
At HHS (2018–2020), Dr. States advanced health equity, social determinants of health, and emerging therapies like psychedelic treatments for PTSD and depression. Previously, as a Navy Medical Corps Officer, he served as a Public Health Emergency Officer and Battalion Surgeon during Operation Enduring Freedom. Board-certified in Preventive Medicine, he holds degrees from Azusa Pacific (BA, 2005), UC San Diego (MD, 2010), Loma Linda (MPH, 2015), and George Washington University (MBA, 2021).
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