About the Office of the Surgeon General

The Office of the Surgeon General is a military-based agency controlled by the U.S. president, acting as the spokesperson for the majority of public health matters in regard to federal government mandates and programs.

Significance

The person who holds the office of the Surgeon General is nominated by the president of the United States and confirmed by the Senate for a four-year term of service.

Function

The office reports directly to the Assistant Secretary for Health and acts as an adviser to the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Specifically, the focus of the Surgeon General is on all public health and scientific considerations.

History

With the establishment of the Marine Hospital Service in 1798, an administration was needed to manage health care. In 1870, this position was established as the Supervising Surgeon, eventually renamed the Surgeon General.

Considerations

The office is the highest-ranking uniformed office of the Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, a three-star vice admiral. The Surgeon General is classified as a non-combatant military official, thus answering to the commander-in-chief.

Famous Ties

As of 2009, there had been a total of 18 different Surgeon Generals in U.S. history. Among the most famous was William H. Stewart, who placed the first warnings on cigarettes.

References

• About the Office of the Surgeon General
• William H. Stewart Is Dead at 86; Put First Warnings on Cigarette Packs
• History of the Office of the Surgeon General

Resources

• Uniform of the Commissioned Corps
• Office of the Surgeon General

Photo Credit

Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Seth Sawyers