Former Surgeon General Urges Senate to Thoroughly Vet New Nominee: Why This Decision Matters

The role of the U.S. Surgeon General is important. This person acts as the main voice for public health in the country and leads the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, which consists of over 6,000 health professionals committed to improving America’s health. The position has changed a lot since it started in 1798 as the U.S. Marine Hospital Service.

Surgeons General throughout history have made significant impacts. For example, in 1964, Luther Terry released a pivotal report connecting smoking and lung cancer, setting off national anti-smoking campaigns. In 1986, C. Everett Koop addressed AIDS, encouraging education and reducing stigma. More recently, in 2018, I released an advisory for Americans to carry naloxone, a medication that can reverse opioid overdoses. After this, the dispensing of naloxone soared by 400%, leading to a decline in overdose deaths. These successes didn’t come from just one individual but from the trust and respect the Surgeon General’s office commands.

The qualifications for this role are crucial. Most U.S. Surgeons General have backgrounds as career officers in the Public Health Service, often with advanced medical and public health training. The last four Surgeons General, including me, had extensive qualifications. For example, I was a practicing anesthesiologist and served as the Health Commissioner of Indiana before my nomination.

The Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, founded in 1889, operates under the Department of Health and Human Services. Officers are often deployed in times of public health crises, whether it’s dealing with natural disasters or global pandemics. During my time as Surgeon General, we faced two major deployments: responding to multiple Category 5 hurricanes in 2017 and tackling the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

The importance of this role cannot be overstated. The President nominates candidates, but the Senate confirms them. This process is essential to ensure that only the most qualified individuals lead public health initiatives. Just like we wouldn’t choose someone who isn’t a licensed attorney to be the Attorney General, we must make sure the Surgeon General has the right expertise.

In recent years, health issues have been at the forefront, such as the opioid crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the CDC, in 2021, there were nearly 108,000 drug overdose deaths in the U.S., highlighting the critical need for a strong public health leader.

Public service is noble, and those who aim to serve deserve commendation. The Surgeon General’s responsibilities are extensive, and the health of the nation relies on strong, credible leadership. We must maintain high standards for this vital office.

The U.S. Surgeon General holds a pivotal role in guiding public health policy and response. It’s essential for the Senate to evaluate nominees carefully to ensure they are highly qualified. The health of Americans is too important to risk on anything less.

Jerome Adams served as the 20th U.S. Surgeon General and is now a distinguished professor and executive director at Purdue University.

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