What Are the Duties of the Surgeon General?

The Surgeon General is responsible for maintaining a military-based, high-level government office. The individual himself is appointed by the president of the United States and confirmed by the Senate for a four-year term. Duties of the Surgeon General range widely depending on the situation.

Identification

The Surgeon General reports directly to the office of the Assistant Secretary of Health, who in turn advises the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Together they act as the main sources of information on public health policy.

Function

The United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps is under the leadership of the Surgeon General. This agency is responsible for direct action on the ground in the case of a national health emergency.

Features

One duty belonging to the Surgeon General involves the bestowal of a number of awards on certain individuals for public health assistance. Among these are the Surgeon General's Medal.

Significance

Considerations

When a person takes over the role of Surgeon General, he is promoted to one of the highest ranks in the uniformed officer corps of the Navy. The individual holds the grade of a three-star vice admiral and thus reports directly to the commander-in-chief in times of war.

References

• Surgeon General is more than spokesman, oversees public health
• Duties of the Surgeon General
• Dr. Regina Benjamin -- New Surgeon General: Her Responsibilities

Resources

• Office of the Surgeon General

Photo Credit

Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Jason Scragz

Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Carrot Creative