The senate has just announced that Vivek Murthy, has just been appointed as our countries newest Surgeon General. This has just filled the position, which was kept vacant for the past seven months. While Vivek was nominated for the position over a year ago, it took some time for a final ruling to be made.
Vivek was under a lot of scrutiny from the National Rifle Association, and by the Senate for his position about gun control and gun violence. The NRA claimed that his strong position regarding the subject might show a biased opinion when it comes to certain matters. Despite this skepticism by some Vivek later gained mass support by a vast array of medical and political organizations, and was the top pick from President Obama. Several previous Surgeon Generals such as, Dr. Richard Carmona and Dr. Regina Benjamin also supported Vivek, and backed him upon his candidacy for the position. Vivek officially won the position on December 15, 2014 with a vote of 51-43.
Vivek Murthy is the 19th elected Surgeon General for the United States, and is the youngest Surgeon general to hold the position, as well as the first ever Surgeon General of Indian decent. His qualifications for the position include a degree in biochemical sciences from Harvard, he accomplished receiving a M.B.A and a M.D. from Yale, and he is also a founder of Doctors For America, which is helping revolutionize the health care system in our country by making young medical students more active in making changes to our health care system. He most recently was a public health advisor to President Obama.
The official website for the Surgeon General claims that “As the Nation’s Doctor, the Surgeon General provides Americans with the best scientific information available on how to improve their health and reduce the risk of illness and injury.”
Although Vivek is going to feel the pressure for being the youngest Surgeon General in our history, his qualifications show that he has an innovative mind and will be able to comprehend what changes need to be made to make this a healthier country for its citizens.
Photo Citation
Charles Dharapak/Associated Press
