San Francisco welcomes Daniel Tsai as new public health director amid leadership challenges

The San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH) held a significant meeting on March 3, 2025, focusing on leadership changes and recognizing the contributions of outgoing Director Dr. Grant Colfax. The meeting commenced with a welcome to Daniel Tsai, the newly appointed director of public health, who was praised for his extensive experience in public health care. This transition comes at a critical time as Tsai is expected to review the senior leadership at Laguna Honda Hospital (LHH), particularly in light of concerns regarding the qualifications of current leadership.

Public comments highlighted the urgency of addressing leadership qualifications at LHH, specifically calling for the replacement of CEO Diltser Sidhu due to a lack of necessary experience and licensure. Concerns were raised about the qualifications of assistant NHA Jennifer Cartonway, who has not yet obtained the required licensure, which is crucial for the hospital's compliance with Medicare recertification standards.

Following the discussion on leadership, the meeting shifted to honor Dr. Grant Colfax, who has served as the Director of Public Health for six years. Deputy Director Navina Bhabha lauded Colfax for his exceptional leadership during challenging times, including the COVID-19 pandemic, where his efforts resulted in significantly lower death rates compared to state and national averages. Colfax's initiatives included the rapid distribution of vaccines during health emergencies and the transformation of mental health and substance use services in the city.

A resolution was read, recognizing Colfax's contributions to public health, including the implementation of a unified electronic medical record system and the reduction of nurse vacancy rates to zero. The resolution concluded with gratitude for his service and well-wishes for his future endeavors.

Public comments on Colfax's tenure were mixed, with some expressing dissatisfaction regarding his salary and the management of LHH, citing past failures in reform plans that led to significant financial costs for the city. Despite the criticisms, the overall sentiment from the commission was one of appreciation for Colfax's dedication and impact on public health in San Francisco.

The meeting concluded with a call for continued efforts to strengthen leadership at LHH and ensure the ongoing improvement of public health services in the city.