Bethesda, Md., June 7, 2010—Alexander
Garza, MD, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) assistant secretary
for health affairs and chief medical officer, is shown (center) touring
the research reactor facility of the Armed Forces Radiobiology Research
Institute (AFRRI) on June 4.
With Garza are (left to right) Stephen I. Miller, head of the AFRRI
Radiation Sciences Department; Robert Davis, director of DHS External
Affairs; Kathryn Brinsfield, MD, director of the DHS Division of
Operational Medicine and Workforce Health Protection and deputy chief
medical officer (acting); and AFRRI Director COL Mark A. Melanson, MSC,
USA.
The DHS officials were briefed on AFRRI operational responsibilities,
including the Medical Radiobiology Advisory Team, and on research
involving radiation countermeasures and biological dosimetry. Other topics
included the AFRRI Medical Effects of Ionizing Radiation Course and the
Uniformed Services University (USU) Department of Radiation Biology
educational opportunities.
Garza joined DHS in August 2009 after 13 years as a practicing
physician and medical educator. At DHS he manages medical and health
security matters and oversees the health aspects of contingency planning
for chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear hazards.
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