Winchester doctor Ralph Alvarado is concluding his current time in the Kentucky General Assembly Friday. Alvarado will take on a new role as commissioner for the Tennessee Department of Health in mid-January. The medical internist came to the Kentucky Senate in 2015 and became a prominent legislator, particularly in health matters. Alvarado said leaving the Commonwealth was not an easy decision.
“You know, I’m a Kentucky guy so, for me, it’s hard to leave relationships I have here, folks that I know in the Senate. This is an area I have influence, I think, as far as health care policy, and so, difficult to make that decision but really an opportunity to serve in an administration, I think, that is aligned with how I see things,” said Alvarado.
Alvarado has been a very active member of the GOP-led Senate. He hesitated when asked about the possibility of future political aspirations.
“You know, I don’t know. I’ve never viewed public service as a career move. I’m a clinician. I still practice clinical medicine. That’s what I still do. That’s always been my view of career options. So, I’ve never looked at it that way,” said Alvarado.
While making a move professionally to Tennessee as the new health commissioner, Alvarado said he will continue to make monthly visits to Kentucky for clinic appointments.
