Alexander Garza, M.D., M.P.H.

As Chief Community Health Officer, Alexander Garza is responsible for deepening SSM Health’s focus on social determinants of health, equity, and social justice, while supporting the organization’s transition to a population health model.

Dr. Garza has decades of experience in public health, quality and safety, and policy development. He organized and led SSM Health’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequently assumed the role of Incident Commander for the St. Louis Metropolitan Pandemic Task Force, overseeing the region’s coordinated response efforts. In August 2020, Dr. Garza became Chief Community Health Officer after serving as Chief Medical Officer since 2018, where he oversaw quality, patient safety, and clinical analytics. Prior to that role, he served as SSM Health’s Chief Quality Officer and as Chief Medical Officer for the St. Louis region.

Board-certified in emergency medicine, Dr. Garza has decades of experience practicing medicine and teaching in higher education. Before joining SSM Health, he served as Associate Dean and Professor at the Saint Louis University College of Public Health and Social Justice. He has published numerous original research scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals and has lectured nationally and internationally.

Prior to returning to St. Louis, Dr. Garza served as Assistant Secretary and Chief Medical Officer for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. He was the legislated health, medical, and biodefense authority for the Department and played a critical role in protecting the United States from threats posed by terrorism, natural disasters, and pandemics. Dr. Garza is also a Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve with more than 20 years of military service. He is a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. He currently serves as the Command Surgeon for the 352nd Civil Affairs Command. He has received numerous awards for his service, including the Combat Action Badge and the Bronze Star.