Opinion: A former surgeon general calls on the Senate to carefully consider the new nominee
“Just as we would not appoint someone who had never finished their legal education or passed the bar to serve as attorney general, we must uphold the historical and legal…
The U.S. surgeon general holds a position of immense responsibility — serving as the nation’s leading spokesperson on public health matters and overseeing the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps (PHSCC), a cadre of more than 6,000 health professionals dedicated to protecting and promoting the nation’s health. Established in 1798 as the U.S. Marine Hospital Service, the role of surgeon general has evolved to become a cornerstone of American public health leadership.
Throughout history, the surgeon general has been a beacon of scientific integrity and public health advocacy. In 1964, Luther Terry issued a groundbreaking report linking smoking to lung cancer, a pivotal moment that catalyzed the nation’s anti-smoking efforts. In 1986, C. Everett Koop released an historic report on AIDS, challenging stigmas and promoting education. More recently, in 2018, I issued an advisory urging Americans to carry naloxone, a lifesaving medication for opioid overdoses. Subsequently naloxone dispensing increased 400%, and we are now seeing declines in overdose deaths. These initiatives were successful not because of the individuals behind them, but because of the trust and respect the Office of the Surgeon General commands.
