Barack Obama's Surgeon General was Dr. Vivek Murthy. He served as the 19th Surgeon General of the United States, appointed by President Obama.
Dr. Vivek Murthy: The 19th Surgeon General
Dr. Vivek Hallegere Murthy, born on July 10, 1977, is a distinguished British-American physician who has held the vital role of Surgeon General of the United States on multiple occasions. During President Barack Obama's administration, Dr. Murthy was appointed as the 19th Surgeon General. In this capacity, he served as the nation's leading spokesperson on matters of public health, providing the American public with scientific information on how to improve their health.
As a vice admiral in the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, Dr. Murthy's responsibilities extended to guiding the 6,000 public health officers who serve vulnerable populations and advance public health. His initial tenure as the 19th Surgeon General began under President Obama and continued into the early part of the subsequent administration.
Key Aspects of Dr. Murthy's Role
During his time as the 19th Surgeon General, Dr. Murthy focused on several critical public health issues. The Surgeon General's office plays a crucial role in:
- Public Health Advocacy: Promoting health literacy and empowering individuals to make informed health decisions.
- Scientific Leadership: Communicating evidence-based health information to the public and policymakers.
- Emergency Preparedness: Supporting the nation's response to public health crises and emergencies.
- Health Promotion: Addressing prevalent health challenges such as the opioid crisis, chronic disease prevention, and mental well-being.
Subsequent Tenures and Impact
Dr. Vivek Murthy's service as Surgeon General was not limited to the Obama administration. He uniquely returned to the role, demonstrating a continued commitment to public health.
| Presidential Administration | Surgeon General Term | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Barack Obama | 19th Surgeon General | Appointed by President Obama; his tenure commenced under this administration. |
| Donald Trump | 19th Surgeon General (continued) | Continued to serve during the initial period of the Trump administration before his resignation in April 2017. |
| Joe Biden | 21st Surgeon General | Reappointed by President Biden in 2021, marking his second non-consecutive term as the nation's top doctor. |
Dr. Murthy's re-appointment by President Joe Biden as the 21st Surgeon General further solidified his standing as a prominent figure in American public health, allowing him to continue his work on vital health initiatives, including the COVID-19 pandemic response and addressing mental health challenges.
