Dr. Uldine Castel has been selected as the new Health Officer for Ventura County Public Health. Dr. Castel succeeds Dr. Robert Levin who retired from the position in June.

“We’re pleased to have Dr. Castel step into the health officer role based on her broad experience in public health and primary care,” Kelly Long, Board of Supervisors chair.

“Since assuming the interim role as health officer, she has demonstrated her ability to lead with enthusiasm and compassion,” Long said. “Her extensive background in medical leadership and direct patient care, combined with a proven track record of quality public health service positions her as the ideal candidate to guide Ventura County through current and future public health issues.”

For some 15 years, Dr. Castel has served as the tuberculosis (TB) controller for Ventura County Public Health, overseeing the screening and care for TB patients, managing disease contact investigations, and maintaining the highest standard of care for TB patients countywide.

Her leadership included establishing a Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) Clinic for underserved populations and a Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Clinic for HIV prevention.

Dr. Castel has served as family physician and chief medical officer (CMO) at Primary Medical Group. As the first CMO for Primary Medical Group, she led quality control initiatives across several clinics, authored evidence-based standards for medical providers.

“I’m excited for this opportunity to serve our community and contribute to the health and wellbeing of Ventura County residents,” Dr. Castel said.  “I look forward to being part of the continued success of Ventura County’s health initiatives and system of care.”

Castel is board-certified in Family Medicine. She is a graduate of Sarah Lawrence College, Duquesne University, and Temple University Medical School.

Castel will assume her new duties on Jan. 20, at an annual salary of $313,360.