Hugh Tyson, M.D., is now the health officer for Coos County.

Under Oregon law, the county health officer provides the medical protocols and consultation for the local public health staff and serves as a liaison with the medical community.

Tyson previously served as the chief medical officer for the U.S. Coast Guard Group in North Bend, retiring in 2004. He had also served as the chief medical officer and chief of health services at the Coast Guard Clinic at Governor Island, N.Y., from 1992 to 1996. From 1970 to 1992, he served in the U.S. Public Health Service in the Southwest, which included work with Native Americans.

He is a fellow of the American Society of Pediatrics and has provided medical care in pediatrics, obstetrics and family practice.

A graduate of Harvard University, Tyson obtained his medical training through Case Western Reserve in Ohio, and has graduate training in epidemiology through John Hopkins University.

Dr. Carla McKelvey served for several months as the county's interim health officer following the accidental death of Dr. Charles Holloway in December.