FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 17, 2025

DOH-Monroe Announces Medical Director Retirement

Contact:

Jennifer Lefelar

Public Information Officer

305-434-5413

Monroe County, Fla. – The Florida Department of Health in Monroe County (DOH-Monroe) announces the retirement of Dr. Mark Whiteside, who has worked in public health for over 40 years and has served as Medical Director since 2008. His last day working at DOH-Monroe will be Friday, January 31, 2025.

Dr. Whiteside’s exceptional leadership and medical expertise have been instrumental in safeguarding our community through his work on numerous public health crises and outbreaks. With specialized training in infectious and tropical diseases, Dr. Whiteside has been a pioneer in HIV and AIDS research and clinical work.

“The true impact of Dr. Whiteside’s contributions to public health is immeasurable, as his efforts throughout his career have protected, improved, and saved countless lives,” said Dr. Carla Fry, PhD, MSN, RN, Administrator and Health Officer, DOH-Monroe.  “Dr. Whiteside has also mentored and inspired so many of his health department colleagues and partners.  He will be missed.”

“In my opinion, there is no more important work than in public and environmental health,” said Dr. Mark Whiteside, Medical Director, DOH-Monroe. “On my retirement, I will truly miss working with such a dedicated group of individuals focused on protecting and improving public health.”

Dr. Whiteside and his family plan to remain in Key West, where he will continue independent research on the effects of global chemical and electromagnetic pollution. An avid nature enthusiast, Dr. Whiteside also plans to travel across the country and around the world, engaging in birding and butterflying.

To honor Dr. Whiteside’s prestigious career the City of Key West proclaimed November 14, 2024, to be Dr. Whiteside Day. 

Monroe County Board of County Commissioners proclaimed November 19, 2024, to be Dr. Mark Whiteside Day and presented him with an Honorary Conch Certificate on that date.

DOH-Monroe held a retirement party to honor Dr. Whiteside on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at the DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Hotel Grand Key – Key West.

Dr. Carla Fry and DOH-Monroe thank Dr. Whiteside for everything he has done for public health in the Florida Keys community for the past 40 years and wish him a happy and healthy retirement. 

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Link Below - Whiteside Retirement Party Image 1.jpeg:  Pictured from left to right, Mark Whiteside, MD (Retiring Medical Director, DOH-Monroe) and Carla Fry, PhD, MSN, RN (Administrator and Health Officer, DOH-Monroe).  Picture taken on January 11, 2025, at Dr. Mark Whiteside’s retirement party at DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Hotel Grand Key – Key West.

Whiteside Retirement Party Image 1  

Link Below - Whiteside Retirement Party Image 2.jpeg:  Pictured from left to right, Eric Whiteside, Mason Whiteside, Mark Whiteside, MD (Retiring Medical Director, DOH-Monroe), and Lilla Whiteside.   Picture taken on January 11, 2025, at Dr. Mark Whiteside’s retirement party at DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Hotel Grand Key – Key West.

Whiteside Retirement Party Image 2

Link Below - Whiteside Retirement Party Image 3.jpeg:  Pictured from left to right, Jerome Covington, MD, (Lower Keys Medical Center), Alison Kerr, MPH (Director of Community Health, DOH-Monroe), Mechelle Burgohy (Disease Intervention Specialist, DOH-Monroe), Jackie Curl, RN (Tuberculosis Program Manager, DOH-Monroe), Mark Whiteside, MD (Retiring Medical Director, DOH-Monroe), Nadine Balbi, BSN, RN (Registered Nurse Supervisor, DOH-Monroe), and Megan Del Busto, RN (Registered Nurse, DOH-Monroe).  Picture taken on January 11, 2025, at Dr. Mark Whiteside’s retirement party at DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Hotel Grand Key – Key West.

Whiteside Retirement Party Image 3

Link Below - Whiteside Retirement Party Image 4.jpeg:  Pictured, Group Picture.  Picture taken on January 11, 2025, at Dr. Mark Whiteside’s retirement party at DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Hotel Grand Key – Key West.

Whiteside Retirement Party Image 4

Link Below – Whiteside Retirement Party Image 5.jpeg:  Pictured, Mark Whiteside, MD addressing his esteemed colleagues, family, and friends at his retirement party. (Retiring Medical Director, DOH-Monroe). Picture taken on January 11, 2025, at Dr. Mark Whiteside’s retirement party at DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Hotel Grand Key – Key West.

Whiteside Retirement Party Image 5 

About the Florida Department of Health

The Department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.

Follow us on X at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit FloridaHealth.gov.