Dr. Ryan Cole, an Idaho pathologist known for his criticism of COVID-19 vaccines, has been reappointed to the Central District Health board, which serves four counties including Ada County. The Ada County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously on June 16 to retain Cole for another term extending through June 2031, despite ongoing controversy over his medical license history and vaccine advocacy.
Cole’s reappointment represents a confidence vote from county leadership in a physician who has faced significant professional scrutiny. The Central District Health board oversees public health operations across Ada, Boise, Elmore, and Valley counties—making it the largest such district in Idaho by service area. Three of the four counties voted to reappoint Cole; Valley County’s position was not yet recorded at the time of reporting.
Background on Cole’s Medical History
Cole first joined the Central District Health board in 2021 after appointment by Ada County commissioners. His tenure has been marked by professional challenges that drew regulatory attention across state lines.
In Washington state, Cole’s medical license faced restrictions following findings that he shared COVID-related misinformation and improperly treated patients with ivermectin. Idaho’s Board of Medicine subsequently reached an agreement with Cole requiring him to comply with Washington’s disciplinary order.
A medical malpractice lawsuit was filed against Cole after he allegedly provided a false cancer diagnosis to a woman who subsequently underwent surgery. Six physicians disagreed with Cole’s diagnosis, and two independent pathologists characterized it as “reckless.” The lawsuit was dismissed under a confidential legal settlement.
Cole later sold his laboratory following public backlash, though Cole Diagnostics remains registered with Idaho’s Secretary of State’s Office. In 2024, Cole allowed his Idaho medical license to expire, creating a technical violation of state law requiring at least one licensed physician on every health district board. He subsequently reinstated his license and has renewed it through May 2030.
Board Leadership and Policy Direction
Greg Ferch, a chiropractor who chairs the Central District Health board, recommended Cole’s reappointment. Ferch characterized Cole as someone with strong knowledge of human physiology and commitment to informed consent principles.
Ferch indicated openness to adopting policies similar to those implemented by the Southwest Idaho Health District, which voted in 2024 to cease offering COVID vaccines following anti-vaccine testimony. Despite that regional precedent, Central District Health’s website continues to advertise COVID vaccine appointments to the public.
Local Response
Ada County Commissioner Rod Beck, who did not support pursuing further comment on the reappointment decision, emphasized his focus on operational performance. “I’m not even going to respond to that because all I’m worried about is: Is the Central District Health functioning properly?” Beck said.
Cole could not be reached for comment regarding his reappointment or future direction of the health district’s vaccine policies.
What Comes Next
Cole’s six-year term will keep him on the Central District Health board through mid-2031, positioning him to influence public health policy across four Idaho counties during a period of national debate over vaccine protocols and medical autonomy. The district’s continued advertising of COVID vaccines alongside a board leadership sympathetic to skepticism of those vaccines signals potential policy tension ahead. Whether Central District Health will follow Southwest Idaho Health District’s precedent remains unclear, though board chair Ferch’s openness to such a shift suggests the possibility is under consideration.