The El Paso County Board of Health has elected Dr. John Burrington to serve as board president as of Jan. 1. Burrington’s academic achievements include three degrees with honors from Harvard College, Harvard Medical School and the University of Wisconsin. During his 40 years in medical practice – specializing in pediatric, thoracic and general surgery and forensic medicine – Burrington has earned numerous merits and distinctions as chief of surgery, medical education department head, practicing physician, professor, professional and civic volunteer (domestic and abroad), author and active member of numerous local and national boards and associations. Burrington presently serves as a member of the El Paso County Medical Society and Memorial Health System staff.Burrington replaces outgoing Board of Health President John Suits, who will remain on the board until his term expires. “As a physician, I wholly appreciate and support the Health Department’s many proactive, health-focused programs and services to our community,” Burrington said. “Prevention undoubtedly is a key strategy for a healthy community, and that’s the critical and exclusive directive that our Health Department fulfills on a daily basis. I am privileged to have been chosen as president by my board colleagues, and I look forward to close collaborations with them and our local public health professionals in the New Year.”
