NATCHEZ — Dr. Leslie England of Natchez has been appointed district health officer for public health district VII.

Public health district VII includes Adams, Amite, Franklin, Jefferson, Lawrence, Lincoln, Pike, Walthall and Wilkinson counties.

England replaces Dr. Thomas Dobbs who is now the Mississippi State Department of Health’s State Epidemiologist.

“MSDH is privileged to have Dr. England as a member of our team,” said State Health Officer Dr. Mary Currier. “England’s knowledge of infectious diseases, his expertise in internal medicine, and his community involvement will be a great asset to the agency.”

England received his bachelor of science degree in microbiology in 1971 from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge and became a doctor of medicine in 1975 from the Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans. England currently practices general medicine in Natchez.

“While I will continue my private practice,” England said, “this opportunity will allow me to practice medicine on a broader scale as public health affects entire populations. I look forward to the challenges and opportunities ahead.”