Dr. Anthony Billittier will be leaving as County health commissioner February 1st.
Dr. Gale Burstein, a pediatrician at Women & Children’s Hospital, was named as the new commissioner by the Poloncarz administration.
WBFO News spoke with Billittier as he winds down his 11-years as the county's health leader.
Dr. Billittier will be working briefly with the new health commissioner as he transitions out. Billittier actually recruited Dr. Burstein to work at the Health department.
"She will beginning work on January 23rd. and she and I will spend about a week overlapping, and I will do my best to bring her up to speed on the many, many issues going on in public health," said Dr. Billittier. "I was fortunate enough to have recruited her quite a few years ago."
Billittier was first appointed in 2000 by then-County Executive Joel Giambra. When former County Executive Chris Collins took office he kept Billittier as the county's top doctor.
Dr. Billittier helped oversee the huge task of identifying the remains of the victims of Flight 3407 back in 2009.
"The crash of Flight 3407 was I think the saddest time that I experienced. It had the biggest impact on me," said Dr. Billittier.
WBFO News asked Billittier why he wasn't selected by the Poloncarz administration.
"I'm not really sure. It would have to be a question you ask Mr. Poloncarz," said Billittier
County Executive Mark Poloncarz has told reporters he believes it's time for a change in the department and noted issues within the Medical Examainer's Office. Burstein will also be making nearly $40,000 less than Billittier earns.
As for his future, Billttiier remains an emergency room doctor at ECMC on the weekends. He told WBFO News for now he will take on more ER shifts.