Dr. Celeste Philip's confirmation process to remain Florida's Surgeon General has completed its first step.
The Senate's Health Policy Committee voted 5-0 on Monday in support of Philip's confirmation. She still must be confirmed by the Ethics and Election committees before the vote goes to the full Senate.
Philip replaced Dr. John Armstrong last March. Armstrong resigned after not being confirmed for a second term by the Senate.
Unlike Armstrong, Philip's confirmation process is expected to proceed smoothly.
Philip has held various positions within the Department of Health since 2008. She was interim director in three county health departments and interim bureau chief for the DOH Bureau of Communicable Diseases.
The Health Policy Committee also voted in support of Justin Senior's confirmation as Secretary of Health Care Administration.
