(a) In accordance with the provisions of sections 4-5 to 4-8, inclusive, the Governor shall appoint a Commissioner of Public Health, who shall be the administrative head of the department. Said commissioner shall either (1) be a physician, graduated by an acceptable medical college, recognized by one of the medical examining boards of this state, experienced in actual practice of his profession, skilled in sanitary science and experienced in public health administration and shall have had a minimum of one year of university graduate instruction in public health administration as evidenced by a certificate of graduation or a degree in public health or (2) hold a graduate degree in public health. He shall not engage in any other occupation.

(b) Notwithstanding the educational requirements of subsection (a) of this section, a commissioner who has been appointed prior to July 1, 1998, may continue to serve as commissioner and may continue to be reappointed and confirmed for consecutive terms after July 1, 1998.