St. Joseph County says farewell to Public Health Officer Dr. Einterz
SOUTH BEND, Ind.----
The man who carried St. Joseph County through the largest pandemic of our lifetime is stepping down.
Dr. Robert Einterz is wrapping up his final week on the job as St. Joseph County Health Officer.
He took this position over just weeks before the Coronavirus Not knowing what was ahead as the Pandemic upended everyone's lives and turned public health into a divisive political issue.
Doctor Einterz has had quite the career, from his time in Kenya and Haiti, and more than 30 years on the faculty at IU School of Medicine, but nothing could have prepared him for what was ahead.
During his time in the role, he was faced with the unprecedented, mask mandates, vaccinations, shutdowns, and more causing the largest pollicization of public health the county has ever seen.
His Colleague, Deputy Health Officer wished him the best in his next endeavor, while commending him for his leadership and impact he is leaving behind
"So you know bob became the Public Health Officer for St. Joseph County in February 2020, especially those 1st two years…. a lot of our time and energy was consumed with covid, so we worked very closely together…all throughout covid, you know Bob's leadership really was apparent, in all the details of the pandemic, I think the remarkable aspect of his leadership is in creating a vison for what the health department can be and should be," said Fox.
While Doctor Einterz is not sure what is next for him, he says he will be taking some time off to enjoy with family, after a long three years before deciding the next step.
He reflecting on the times both challenging and rewarding, while looking forward for both himself and the County,
"I Simply say I have no regrets whatsoever having made the decision to come here-, I had a very rich and meaningful and satisfying career at Indiana university…my three years here have been just as rich and satisfying and meaningful, moved here because it’s a fine place to live, it could be better, and I think Dr. Cerbin and the county can move it in that direction".
He reflected on the peaks and valleys he saw the past three years and has spent time in his final days talking to the man set to fill his shoes, Dr, Joesph Cerbin.
"I think Ive brought this health department about as far as I can bring it…Its time for new leadership, and Im hopeful the elected leadership..will listen to Dr. Cerbin, follow his advice and follow his lead as he brings this health department to the next level," he added while sending his final emails in his office with now bare walls.
He encourages those to come out to a panel presentation called the War on Public Health, Monday at The St. Joseph County Library after his official last day, this Friday.