Sayone Thihalolipavan

Sayone Thihalolipavan, MD, MPH, is the Justice-Involved Health Officer for San Diego County, California.1 He is a Board-Certified Public Health and Preventive Medicine Physician who focuses on addressing health-related issues at the population level.1

Professional Background

Dr. Thihalolipavan has a strong interest in health equity and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for all San Diego residents.1 In his role as Justice-Involved Health Officer, he aims to:

• Address social drivers of health for justice-involved individuals
• Support their health needs
• Ensure medical and behavioral health quality standards are met while in County care

Additionally, he continues to work occasionally in the tuberculosis clinic.1

Career History

Previous Positions::

• Deputy Public Health Officer for San Diego County (2015-2019)13
• Medical Director of the Bureau of Chronic Disease Prevention & Tobacco Control at NYC's Health Department (2009-2015)1

During his tenure as Deputy Public Health Officer in San Diego, Dr. Thihalolipavan:

• Oversaw Emergency Medical Services
• Implemented a naloxone distribution program
• Helped launch the Hepatitis C Elimination Initiative
• Aided in responses to Hepatitis A, Zika, and meningococcal B outbreaks1

Education and Training

Dr. Thihalolipavan received his medical education and completed his residency in New York City.1 He holds both an MD and an MPH degree.2

Current Role

As of September 2024, Dr. Thihalolipavan serves as the Public Health Medical Officer for Justice-Involved Health in the Medical Care Services Division of San Diego County.15 His LinkedIn username is sayone-thihalolipavan-4449064.4