The prestigious title of Surgeon General is given to the individual that will serve as the nation’s doctor, and the selection process requires the approval of both the President of the United States and the Senate. The person chosen for this office is thoroughly vetted because they are responsible for leading the country with the best and most recent scientific information to improve everyone’s overall well-being.
Selection Process
In 1870, this position was established in large part to provide services to wounded seamen. Over time, the office grew into the prestigious position it is today. The person with this title is expected to be the nation’s most well-respected doctor, and his advice has the power to guide policymakers in the right direction. The only way to be considered for this role is to be appointed by the President of the United States of America. Once the President makes his appointment clear, the U.S. Senate rigorously analyzes the candidate’s potential. If successful, then the candidate will receive the Senate’s endorsement. With these two key factors, an individual will be selected to become the next person to assume the office. Each person typically serves the role for a four-year term. Dr. Vivek Murthy, the most recent former general, was asked to resign by President Trump instead of serving out his full term. He obliged, and the selection process appointed a new person to fulfill this role.
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Current Surgeon General
In 2017, Dr. Jerome Adams was confirmed to take on this position. He is the 20th person to hold the title, and he describes his biggest target as the country’s current opioid epidemic. He also wants to focus on untreated mental illnesses. Adams was first nominated by current President Donald Trump after the current administration requested the resignation of Dr. Vivek Murthy. Rear Admiral Sylvia Trent-Adams temporarily fulfilled the obligations of this position until Adams was confirmed by the Senate.
Adams formerly served as the Indiana state health commissioner, a staff anesthesiologist and an assistant professor of anesthesia at the Indiana University School of Medicine. He has a master’s degree in public health. He holds undergraduate degrees in biopsychology and biochemistry.
Duties
This position is a part of the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health which is encompassed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This high office is responsible for overseeing the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps. Surgeongeneral.gov estimates that over 6,700 public health professionals working alongside the federal government work under the authority of this office. In addition, the Affordable Care Act names the holder of this title as acceptingthee roles of the Chair of the National Prevention Council. This council coordinates efforts between 20 different departments to protect the overall health of the citizens of the United States.
The massive amount of responsibilities and duties of this office make the selection and nomination of this person extremely important. As the nation’s appointed doctor, the individual frequently leads the country’s doctors, guides policy and brings important health issues to the forefront of discussion. It should be no surprise, then, that such a prestigious title of Surgeon General requires a strict and specific selection process.
