Texas Health and Human Services Executive Commissioner Chris Traylor has announced Dr. John Hellerstedt is returning to the HHS system Jan. 1, this time as commissioner of the Texas Department of State Health Services.
Hellerstedt, who last served the state as medical director for the Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program Division, will leave his current position as chief medical officer at the Seton Family of Hospitals on Dec. 30.
"I am very excited about this next chapter in my life, and I’m eager to return to public service where I can help keep Texans healthy and safe," Hellerstedt said. “I loved my time at Seton. I'm proud of everything we've accomplished, and I'm always going to be in awe of the dedicated staff who have made these great things possible."
A graduate of the University of Pittsburgh medical school, Hellerstedt moved to Austin in 1981 after completing his residency at the University of Texas-San Antonio Health Science Center. He spent 18 years working as a pediatrician at the Austin Regional Clinic, where he also chaired the pediatric department.
Following his service with the state, Hellerstedt served as vice president of medical affairs for Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas.
As the next DSHS commissioner, Hellerstedt will take over for Kirk Cole, who has been serving as interim commissioner since Dr. David Lakey left in January.
"Bringing Dr. Hellerstedt on board is great for the HHS system and for the health of Texans everywhere," Commissioner Traylor said. "John’s work in private practice combined with his public service and his incredible work at Seton, gives him a unique depth of knowledge about Texan's health needs that will serve the state well. Dr. Hellerstedt’s life-long dedication to public health makes him a perfect fit as the state's health commissioner."