Dr. Gregorie Constant-Peter oversees the medical operations within the Orange County Jail. She has over 20 years of experience in the medical and education field, bringing invaluable skills to her current position. We recently caught up with her for a chat.
What motivated you growing up?
Growing up in Haiti until I was 9, I witnessed firsthand the challenges of accessing healthcare, an experience that shaped my passion for medicine. I remember waking up at 5 a.m. with my father, making the long journey to the clinic, only to wait an entire day to be told to come back tomorrow. The overwhelming need and unwavering resilience of my people left a lasting impression on me and fueled my determination. When I immigrated to the United States, I carried that resilience, which was inspired by my father, with me.
What did you learn on your professional journey that prepared you for your current role?
Serving as the lead physician in a hospital-based outpatient setting, I developed a deep understanding of the fiscal responsibilities that come with managing healthcare services efficiently. My time at Veterans Affairs reinforced the importance of practicing within structured policies, procedures and formularies while ensuring high quality care for female veterans. As a faculty member of multiple medical schools, including my current role at UCF College of Medicine, I’ve had the privilege of shaping the next generation of physicians.
What is your role as medical director for OC Corrections Health Services?
I shape the quality of care provided to our incarcerated patients. My responsibilities include reviewing and developing policies and procedures to ensure our healthcare services align with the highest standards of evidence-based care. I also lead efforts to educate our healthcare team, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement while implementing new programs and processes that enhance patient care and reduce sentinel events.
Overseeing the medical, psychiatric, pharmacy and dental teams, I work collaboratively to integrate comprehensive care that addresses both acute and chronic health conditions within the correctional setting. My role is administrative but also deeply rooted in advocating for innovative, patient-centered approaches that optimize healthcare delivery in this unique environment.
How unique is correctional medicine?
It differs significantly from other healthcare sectors due to the unique challenges and logistics involved. Unlike traditional community-based care, we serve a highly transient population whose chronic medical conditions are often in an advanced and unstable state due to economic instability, food insecurity, unsheltered and other social determinants of health. Nearly 43 percent of our population has a mental health diagnosis, of which 3 percent are in an acute psychosis. These patients require integrated medical and psychiatric care.
What challenges do you face in your current role?
Coordinating care for a transient population grappling with multiple social determinants of health. Many of our patients struggle with food insecurity, lack of funds and unstable housing, making it difficult to ensure continuity of care once they leave our facility. Even when we develop comprehensive treatment plans, these basic needs take priority over medical follow-up, leading to worsening health conditions and frequent hospitalizations. The high rate of recidivism further complicates care, as many individuals cycle in and out of the system due to a lack of accessible mental health services in the community. Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach, bridging correctional healthcare with community-based support systems to provide sustainable solutions beyond our walls.
What are your goals as medical director?
To ensure every incarcerated patient receives the highest level of care while in our health system. I’m committed to bridging the gap between correctional and community healthcare by implementing innovative programs and evidence-based practices that mirror the quality of care they would receive outside of jail. This includes expanding access to comprehensive medical, mental health and substance-use treatments, integrating new technologies and fostering a person-centered approach within the constraints of our setting.
Can you fill us in on current initiatives?
One of my key accomplishments has been the establishment of the Correctional Medicine Elective in collaboration with UCF College of Medicine, which provides medical students with firsthand experience in this sector. I also spearheaded the Lactation Program, allowing women who have recently given birth in our jail or were breastfeeding at the time of their arrest to express milk for their infants. Additionally, I led the creation of a dedicated Detox Unit, where patients experiencing withdrawal from substance use disorder receive evidence-based treatment with medication to improve outcomes and reduce complications. We’re also on the verge of launching our Hepatitis C Treatment Program, which will provide life-saving treatment to incarcerated individuals.
