The surgeon general must be qualified to lead on public health

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.

The qualifications for this esteemed position are not merely formalities but essential to its credibility and effectiveness. Traditionally, U.S. surgeons general have been career officers in the Public Health Service Commissioned Corps (PHSCC), with advanced medical training and often additional qualifications in public health or related fields. Consider the last four physicians confirmed to the role: Regina Benjamin served as chair of the American Medical Association; Vivek Murthy holds both an M.D. and an M.B.A., with substantial experience in health care operations; Richard Carmona was a decorated Special Forces medic and trauma surgeon, awarded two Purple Hearts; and when President Trump nominated me during his first term, I was a practicing trauma and obstetric anesthesiologist with a master’s degree in public health, while also serving as the Health Commissioner for the state of Indiana.