Dr. Irina Gelman

Dr. Irina Gelman of Johnstown is a tireless public servant who serves as the Director of Public Health for Fulton County.

Dr. Gelman has led the way in the field of rural health care by pioneering an innovative telemedicine initiative aimed at improving access to care. Visiting a doctor for a routine, nonemergency issue or something as simple as a prescription renewal can be a challenge for those living in rural communities. Under Dr. Gelman’s leadership, Fulton County residents now have a new option for non-emergency medical diagnoses with the new telehealth program.

With her preliminary medical background in surgery and clinical care, Dr. Gelman, a PACE University graduate, grew up in Brooklyn and went on to receive her doctorate degree from the New York College of Podiatric Medicine. She obtained a Master’s Degree in Public Health at Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine, and earned a HANYS Academy for Healthcare Leadership certification from Cornell University.

Currently a PhD candidate in the Public/Community Health track, Dr. Gelman is working on her dissertation entitled, “The Utility of Telehealth Initiatives in Rural Areas of NYS.”

Dr. Gelman also is a small business owner, serving as President and principal owner of EMVI Inc., a family-owned and operated chocolate company located in Broadalbin. She serves as the Treasurer of the Fulton-Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce, and received their 2018 Family Business Award.

In 2017, Dr. Gelman was honored with the Rural Health Champion Public Health Award by the Adirondack Health Institute, recognizing her by her colleagues as a trailblazer and visionary. She is a member of the NYS Medical Reserve Corps, a comprehensive volunteer management system of trained health care professionals to assist state and federal officials in public health emergencies. In addition, she continues to be a leader in developing public health policies in the fight against the terrible scourge of heroin and opioid abuse.

Dr. Gelman and her husband, Victor, reside in Johnstown and are the proud parents of three children, Emily, Mia and Michael.