Redding family doctor steps into political arena as Shasta County health officer

The Shasta County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday voted 3-2 to hire Dr. James Mu, a Redding family doctor, as the county’s public health officer.

The decision came with some controversy and against the looming backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, when Mu joined a group of other Shasta County doctors who did not support mandating coronavirus vaccines.

Mu was the fourth person supervisors had considered for the position, which became vacant in May 2022 after the supervisors fired Karen Ramstrom, whose office was a focal point of community anger over state and local attempts to contain the disease.

Ramstrom even received physical threats against her from area residents during the height of the pandemic.

Several members of the community spoke for and against hiring Mu, but after debate on the issue it came down to members of the board to decide. Supervisors Kevin Crye, Chris Kelstrom and Patrick Jones voted to hire Mu, while Tim Garman and Mary Rickert voted no.

Mu said after the meeting that earlier in the outbreak he suggested vaccines would be helpful to some of his patients, but not everyone needed the shots, and he did not advocate mandating them.

“When they say “anti-vax,” I don't know, what does that mean? Do you know what that means?” he said. “I just don't like people putting labels on other people. I support vaccinations, but I don't support a vaccine that’s not effective or causes potential harm to someone, especially when mandating. Would you like me to prescribe something to you that doesn’t work for you? What kind of doctor would I be?”

Mu was one of 12 medical providers who last year added their names to a 10-point declaration about medical care related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Among other things, the declaration says a “one-size-fits-all approach” is not effective in preventing the disease and that vaccines should not be mandated.

It also states that that “COVID-19 vaccines should be encouraged for those who are at higher risk who do not have naturally acquired immunity.”

However, the letter and 10-point declaration from the 12 doctors received pushback from other Redding area medical professionals who sent out their own counter letter.

In the letter, the group urged medical providers to avoid recommending "unproven" coronavirus medications and treatments.

The letter was signed by top officials from Dignity Health/Mercy Medical Center, Shasta Regional Medical Center, Shasta Community Health Center, Hill Country Health and Wellness Center and the Redding Rancheria, which operates a health care network in Shasta and Trinity counties.

The statement from the executive group said, “though respected, (the 12 doctors) do not represent the vast majority of over 400 physicians practicing in Shasta County. They do not represent medical or health care organizations, clinics or hospitals."

Some of those who spoke to the board Tuesday, also urged the board to consider other candidates for the health officer job.

Missy McArthur, a former physician’s assistant and who also once served on the Redding City Council, said she understood Mu was against using vaccines. She also said he was not qualified for the job because he was a family practitioner and did not have extensive experience in public health.

“I'm not sure the public understands the health jeopardy you're putting the citizens of Shasta County in when you appoint someone not qualified for the job,” McArthur said.

Dr. Nena Perry of Redding, also cautioned the board about hiring Mu. She pointed out the patients in Dr. Mu’s practice will need to find a new doctor.

“And as everybody in here, I think well knows, finding a physician in Redding is very, very difficult,” she said.

Shortly after the supervisors voted to hire Mu at a salary of $222,264 a year, he told members of the board and those in the chambers that he recognized that public health had become a political issue, but he hoped to put that in the past.

“I would like to follow evidence-based policy. However, there are medical dogma that are not good for the population in our county that I will question and challenge. Protecting my family, and by extension the full county, is my top priority, and I will continue to gather wisdom through the public and through other medical professionals and other agencies,” Mu said.

“And for those who are skeptical, I will value your contribution and value constructive criticism as well. My goal is to increase trust in public health, through transparency and through honesty as well. Ultimately, I will provide healthy advice to the community, but I will not force that on you. I will be as least intrusive as possible,” he said.

Mu has been a physician for 30 years, earning his medical degree from Medical College of Wisconsin and did family medicine residency at Mercy Medical Center, county officials said in a news release about his appointment.

As health officer, Mu will be responsible for such tasks as monitoring and addressing factors affecting public health, and preventing the spread of contagious diseases. He can also issue quarantine orders ensure the enforcement of public health orders and regulations, officials said.

Reporter Damon Arthur welcomes story tips at 530-338-8834, by email at damon.arthur@redding.com and on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @damonarthur_RS. Help local journalism thrive by subscribing today!

This article originally appeared on Redding Record Searchlight: Redding doctor takes politically charged county health officer job