It's been nearly a year since former city Health Commissioner Dr. Joshua M. Sharfstein left Baltimore for the Food and Drug Administration and a permanent replacement has yet to be found.

Since then, swine flu, health care reform and all manner of every day city health problems have been in the forefront. So when will Baltimore get a new health commissioner? And who might that person be?

Sharfstein left "very big shoes to fill," incoming Mayor Stephanie C. Rawlings-Blake told the Baltimore Sun's editorial board this morning. "I'm looking for that type of energy and leadership at the health department."

Sharfstein targeted manufacturers of cold and cough medicines, convincing the FDA there was little evidence the drugs worked in children younger than 4. And he took on the hazards of lead, banning its use in candy, cosmetics and jewelry sold in the city.

Rawlings-Blake didn't offer any more specifics on her preference for health commissioner, other than to say she's hopeful that there will be many resumes coming to her desk as she seeks a "top notch" person to fill the job. "There is a lot of interest from people all over to work in the city and work for the city," she said.  

It will be interesting to see how she handles this post. Public health is a huge issue for Baltimore, whose high poverty rate makes the city a magnet for all sorts of health ills.

Rawlings-Blake should stick to three major areas as she focuses the health department: substance abuse, primary care and getting kids prepared for school, advised Dr. Peter L. Beilenson, Howard County's health officer who served as Baltimore's health commissioner for 13 years.

What do you think should be the focus of the next health commissioner?

Baltimore Sun photo