History of Joseph Ladapo in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 23, 2025

Joseph Ladapo is a Nigerian-American physician serving as the Surgeon General of Florida since 2021. He is notable for his controversial stances and actions related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Ladapo has opposed COVID-19 mitigation efforts like mask and vaccine mandates, and promoted unproven treatments. His views have been criticized as misinformation by the CDC and contradict recommendations from established medical organizations. He has questioned the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines, making him a figure of controversy in public health.

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Full Timeline

2000: Earned Bachelor of Arts degree

In 2000, Joseph Ladapo earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in chemistry from Wake Forest University, where he was also a varsity track athlete.

2008: Received M.D. and Ph.D.

In 2008, Joseph Ladapo received an M.D. from Harvard Medical School and a Ph.D. in Health Policy from Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.

2020: Began writing op-eds and signed Great Barrington Declaration

Around early 2020, Joseph Ladapo began writing op-eds for The Wall Street Journal on the COVID-19 pandemic and promoted unproven treatments like hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin. Later in 2020, he also signed the Great Barrington Declaration.

February 23, 2022: Confirmed by the Senate

On February 23, 2022, Joseph Ladapo was confirmed by the Senate as the Surgeon General of Florida. During background checks, his former UCLA supervisor refused a positive recommendation.

March 2022: Recommended against COVID-19 vaccination for healthy children in Florida

In March 2022, Joseph Ladapo recommended that healthy children in Florida not be vaccinated against COVID-19, contradicting guidelines by the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

October 2022: Suggested against mRNA COVID-19 vaccination for men aged 18 to 39

In October 2022, Joseph Ladapo cited an anonymous analysis to suggest that men aged 18 to 39 not be vaccinated with mRNA COVID-19 vaccines due to alleged high cases of cardiac-related deaths, which was rejected by medical professionals.

January 2023: Faculty Council investigation concluded 'careless and contentious research practice'

In January 2023, the Faculty Council of the University of Florida College of Medicine concluded that Joseph Ladapo's recommendation against mRNA COVID-19 vaccination was based on "careless and contentious research practice".

March 10, 2023: Publicly rebuked by CDC and FDA

On March 10, 2023, Joseph Ladapo was publicly rebuked by the CDC and FDA for disseminating vaccine misinformation after misinterpreting data from the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS).

April 2023: Accusation of altering a state-conducted study on COVID vaccines

In April 2023, Joseph Ladapo was accused of altering a state study on COVID vaccines to discourage vaccination for young men. The Florida attorney general later closed the investigation when the complainant did not respond.