UT Tyler professor appointed as new Smith County Health Authority
Posted/updated on: October 5, 2025 at 5:55 am
SMITH COUNTY –Dr. Jose Serpa has been appointed by the Smith County Commissioners Court, Tyler City Council, and by NET Health as the new Health Authority for Smith County.
“Health Authorities are medical physicians who are appointed to administer state and local laws relating to public health within the appointing body’s jurisdiction,” says George Roberts, Chief Executive Officer of NET Health. The duties of the Health Authority include:
- Investigating and reporting diseases, as well as prevention and suppression efforts
- Assisting in establishing, maintaining, and enforcing jurisdictional quarantine orders
- Reporting the presence of contagious or infectious diseases to local and state authorities
- Aiding NET Health in the enforcement of proper health rules and requirements, sanitation laws, and vital statistics collection
A Professor of Medicine at The University of Texas at Tyler, Dr. Serpa also serves as their Vice Chair for Education and Faculty Development. Prior to UT Tyler, he directed the Infectious Diseases Fellowship Training Program at Baylor College of Medicine, as well as previously being the Medical Director of HIV Services at the Harris Health System in Houston.
Dr. Serpa started his training as a research fellow at the Institute of Tropical Medicine Alexander von Humboldt in Lima, Peru, before earning his medical degree from La Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, and then earning his doctoral degree from the UT School of Public Health in Houston.
He is also an infectious disease physician who has made significant contributions throughout his professional career to various national scientific society committees while also honing his clinical and research expertise in the field of HIV medicine and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
NET Health serves a vital function of promoting health, preventing illness, and protecting our communities through our Departments of Immunizations, Tuberculosis Control, Laboratory Services, Vital Statistics, Public Health Emergency Preparedness, Disease Surveillance, Environmental Health, WIC (Women, Infants and Children) & Community Wellness.
