Jonathan Beyer named new Medical Director of Berrien County

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. -- After it was announced in May that Dr. Rex Cabaltica would be resigning the position effective June 3, the Berrien County Health Department announced on Friday that Dr. Jonathan Beyer will be taking over as the new medical director on June 4.

“I am pleased to join the Berrien County Health Department as its medical director,” Beyer said. “My career to date has been spent in emergency medicine and emergency medical services, which are very reactive. Supporting public health in our county provides me with a wonderful opportunity to address disease before it becomes an emergency and be proactive on a community level."

The health department says Beyer will provide medical direction for BCHD’s public health policies and program operations, including disease prevention and control services, clinical and community health services programs, environmental health programs and substance abuse prevention services.

“BCHD and its team of dedicated public health professionals are at the forefront of this important work, and I am honored to now be part of this endeavor," Beyer said

He also will provide leadership in policy development and coordination of health care services in the community as well as epidemiological guidance to BCHD programs and staff, local physicians and community initiatives, among other responsibilities.

The county says Beyer has spent the past 11 years as an emergency room physician at Corewell Health Lakeland and serves as EMS medical director for the Berrien County Medical Control Authority, which provides supervision and coordination of emergency medical services for the county.

“Dr. Beyer brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to public health to his new role,” BCHD Health Officer Guy Miller said. “His extensive background and professional expertise make him an ideal choice to provide medical direction to the Berrien County Health Department.

He also a member of the Berrien County Sheriff's Tactical Response Team and Berrien County Hazmat Team. He previously spent 11 years as a paramedic in the Philadelphia area.

“He has a proven track record of excellence in emergency medicine, and his experience will be invaluable in expanding and improving our department’s programs to better serve the residents of Berrien County. Dr. Beyer will be a tremendous asset to the Health Department and the broader Berrien County community," said Miller.

Originally from Philadelphia, Beyer received a bachelor’s degree in political science from George Washington University and a medical degree from West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine. He is certified in emergency medical services and emergency medicine by the American Board of Emergency Medicine.