Michelle Bholat, MD, M.P.H., was first elected to office in 2014. Dr. Bholat believes that basic health care is a right, and that where medicine cannot cure, compassion can help and heal. She is a long-time member of BCHD’s Strategic Planning Committee, and is dedicated to furthering awareness and prevention of drug abuse among teens in the community.

In addition to serving on the BCHD board of directors, Dr. Bholat is currently a family physician and the vice chair of family medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). She was appointed Los Angeles County Public Health Commissioner, and in 1999, she received the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services Recognition of Service Award for "Excellent Leadership and Tremendous Dedication to Our Community and Patients." She has served on a wide range of committees and is a member of the National Hispanic Medical Association, the American Public Health Association and the American Academy of Family Physicians.

Dr. Bholat is a graduate of the University of California, Irvine, where she earned a Doctorate of Medicine. She completed her residency in family medicine at Harbor/University of Los Angeles Medical Center and was appointed chief resident in 1994. Dr. Bholat earned an M.PH. in health care policy and administration, from the University of California, Los Angeles, and was appointed visiting assistant professor of family medicine at the university. In 1999, she was appointed vice chair and chief of clinical operations, making her the first Latina to hold the position of vice chair.

In addition to her clinical and educational work, she serves as site director for grant projects related to chronic care as well as clinical trials related to substance abuse. She is a former fellow of the National Hispanic Medical Association (NHMA) and an active member of NHMA’s California chapter.