RADM Epifanio (Epi) Elizondo, USPHS
RADM Elizondo began his Corps career in 1994 with the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP). Since his inter-service transfer from the U.S. Air Force, he has served in a variety of positions including, as a clinician, Assistant Health Services Administrator, BOP Chief Physician Assistant (PA), Regional Minority Health Consultant, Deputy RHA, and RHA for HHS Region VI.
RADM Elizondo’s first assignment was as a clinical PA providing care for Federal inmates at the Federal Medical Center Fort Worth, in Forth Worth, Texas. Shortly after his arrival, he was promoted to Assistant Health Services Administrator. This promotion entailed responsibility for a multi-million dollar contract to operate a secure wing for inmates to receive care in a community hospital when such care was required. He also coordinated a BOP-sponsored PA training program for staff in collaboration with the Department of Defense and the University of Nebraska. All who attended the program graduated with a Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree and all successfully completed their national board examination. For his next assignment, RADM Elizondo was appointed Chief PA for BOP and served in that capacity in Washington, D.C. During his tenure, he worked successfully to have a policy enacted which required that PAs hired must be nationally certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants.
In 2000, RADM Elizondo transferred to the regional office as the Regional Minority Health Consultant to address issues related to health disparities in cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, breast/prostate cancer, HIV/AIDS, and access to care. He also worked with the Environmental Protection Agency on issues related to environmental indoor and outdoor air including asthma in children. In 2004, he was appointed the Deputy RHA in Region VI.
In 2006, RADM Elizondo was promoted to RHA in Region VI. As RHA, he serves as the senior Federal public health official and scientist in the region. In this capacity he performs essential functions for the Department in three major areas: prevention, preparedness, and agency-wide coordination. He also serves as the Federal Emergency Management Agency Region D Senior Health Official for Pandemic Influenza. During the most recent Presidential transition, RADM Elizondo also served as the Regional Director until a director was appointed by Secretary Sebelius.
RADM Elizondo served as Deputy Commander of the Secretary’s Emergency Response Team during Hurricane Rita and as Commander of the Secretary’s Emergency Response Team during part of the Katrina response. During the early response to Hurricane Katrina, RADM Elizondo was assigned by the Surgeon General as the lead for the Federal response associated with the care of evacuees housed in the Dallas-Forth Worth area. When the rapid deployment force teams were established, RADM Elizondo was appointed and served as the first commander of Rapid Deployment Team Force 4 which was comprised of officers from Texas and Oklahoma.
Prior to being commissioned in the Corps, RADM Elizondo served as an enlisted Hospital Corpsmen in the U.S. Navy, as a Warrant Officer and commissioned officer in the U.S. Army Reserve and Kansas National Guard, and as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Air Force. RADM Elizondo keeps his national certification and his Texas State PA Permit current and maintains his clinical competency through clinical practice at the Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base, Fort Worth, Texas.
RADM Elizondo’s uniform services awards include the PHS Meritorious Service Medal, USN Meritorious Service Medal, BOP Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, and the Crisis Response Service Award. His non uniform service awards include the HHS Secretary’s Award for Distinguished Service, the Attorney General’s Award for Career Enhancement, and the Federal Bureau of Prisons Assistant Director’s Award for the Health Services Division.
RADM Elizondo holds Bachelor degrees from the University of Washington and Wichita State University, Master degrees from Wichita State University and the University of Nebraska, and a Doctorate (Ph.D.) from Kansas State University.
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HHS, Office of Public Health and Science |