About the Office
The California Surgeon General
Diana E. Ramos MD, MPH, MBA
Dr. Diana E. Ramos is a distinguished public health leader dedicated to advancing the health and well-being of all communities. As California’s Doctor, she is the leading spokesperson on the most pressing public health issues of the time within the State of California. With a steadfast commitment to addressing Adverse Childhood Experiences, mental health, and maternal mortality and morbidity, Dr. Ramos has been a driving force in shaping policies and programs that make a lasting impact. Her mission is simple: to advance the health and wellbeing of all Californians.
Before her historic appointment as California’s first Latina Surgeon General, Dr. Ramos served as the Assistant Deputy Director of Chronic Disease Prevention at the California Department of Public Health, spearheading statewide initiatives to improve community health. Her leadership has extended across local, state, and national platforms, from serving as Director for Reproductive Health in Los Angeles County to holding key positions with the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American Medical Association Foundation, Women’s Preventive Service Initiative, and the National Hispanic Medical Association.
Over the past three decades, Dr. Ramos has provided compassionate, high-quality reproductive care to thousands of Californians as an Obstetrician Gynecologist at Southern California Kaiser Permanente. Beyond clinical care, she is a prolific contributor to medical and public health literature and a sought-after speaker, delivering lectures in both English and Spanish on local, national, and international stages.
Dr. Ramos’ academic achievements are equally impressive. She earned her medical degree from the Keck School of Medicine at USC and serves as an adjunct Associate Professor. She completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center. She further enhanced her expertise with a Master of Public Health from UCLA and a Master of Business Administration from UC Irvine’s Paul Merage School of Business.
In 2024, the California Latino Legislative Caucus awarded Dr. Ramos with the Latino Spirit Ward for Achievement in Public Service and Health.
In 2025, All Children Thrive awarded Dr. Ramos with the Public Health Leadership Award.
A visionary leader, an advocate for equity in healthcare, and a champion for vulnerable communities—Dr. Diana E. Ramos is reshaping the future of public health.
Historical Background
The role of California Surgeon General was created in 2019 by Governor Gavin Newsom with the understanding that some of the most pernicious, but least addressed health challenges are the upstream factors that eventually become chronic and acute conditions that are far more difficult and expensive to treat. The position’s responsibilities include advising the Governor, serving as a leading spokesperson on matters of public health, and driving solutions to our most pressing public health challenges.
Our mission is to advance the health and well-being of all Californians.
Priorities of the Office
Under Dr. Diana Ramos’ leadership, the Office of the California Surgeon General has established three key priorities: Reproductive Health, Mental Health, and ACEs and Toxic Stress.
Learn more about the priorities, the office, and how to connect by downloading the handout.
