Former U.S. surgeon general Vivek Murthy is President-elect Joe Biden’s nominee for surgeon general, CNN reports.
Murthy made history as the first Indian American and Asian American U.S. surgeon general during President Barack Obama’s administration. During his tenure as “America’s Doctor” from 2014 to 2017, Murthy tackled the Ebola and Zika viruses, e-cigarettes, climate change, and the opioid crisis. He engaged the American public by enlisting popular television shows Sesame Street and Top Chef to promote vaccines and healthy eating.
Currently, Murthy is a co-chair of Biden’s coronavirus advisory board and has been advising Biden on the COVID-19 epidemic during his presidential campaign and transition. As part of Biden’s COVID-19 task force, he has advocated for mask mandates and social distancing.
Murthy was previously reportedly under consideration for the Biden administration’s Secretary of Health and Human Services. Biden’s administration team announced Monday that the nominee for this role would be California Attorney General Xavier Becerra.
“I never dreamed I’d have the honor to once again serve as Surgeon General,” Murthy wrote on Twitter. “In this moment of crisis, I’m grateful for the opportunity to help end this pandemic, be a voice for science, and support our nation on its path to rebuilding and healing.”
I never dreamed I’d have the honor to once again serve as Surgeon General. In this moment of crisis, I’m grateful for the opportunity to help end this pandemic, be a voice for science, and support our nation on its path to rebuilding and healing. pic.twitter.com/0litXnsIJ7
— Vivek Murthy (@vivek_murthy) December 7, 2020
Politico reported that Murthy will have a “broader portfolio” as U.S. surgeon general under Biden compared to his previous service during the Obama administration. In addition to taking on COVID-19, his responsibilities reportedly will include systemic health problems such as mental health, racial inequalities in health care, and substance abuse.
According to ABC News, Biden may also raise the surgeon general role or broaden the title.
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