'Acting' added to STL health director's title

St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson announced yesterday that "acting" was added to the title of the city's health director.

The announcement followed recent court documents showing Dr. Fredrick Echols is not currently a licensed medical doctor and does not have a master's degree in public health. City charter lists one or the other as a qualification for the role.

“There is no doubt that Dr. Echols amply possesses the training and experience to serve as the city’s health director," Krewson wrote to the St. Louis Board of Alderman. "Some seek to discredit this highly qualified physician; it is unclear what their motive is. There is no doubt that Dr. Echols is qualified to serve as director."

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