Surgeons General
January 7th, 2009
What’s not to like about the idea of Sanjay Gupta being the next Surgeon General of the United States?
It may be viewed as a brilliant move since Gupta is widely known because of his work on CNN and well known among journalists. It could be a great way to get media to pay attention to your message when you’re in a position that may be considered by some to be largely ceremonial.
But that should not be the case. Certainly, C. Everett Koop learned how to use the position as a platform to advance important public health initiatives, such as quitting smoking. The surgeon general heads up the large Public Health Service that does important work on things like disaster preparedness and response, disease control and prevention, mental health, and even international health. Gupta is a neurosurgeon. The Public Health Services Act specifies that the Surgeon General be experienced in public health.
Of course, his role with CNN has equipped him—out of necessity—to focus more on public health matters. But why would President-elect Obama not select one of the many highly qualified public health professionals? For example, Thomas Frieden is the bold commissioner of health for New York City. He’s been brilliant on issues such as diabetes, changing what people know about healthy versus unhealthy foods, banning transfats from restaurants, and more. He knows the breadth of public health, what works and what doesn’t in this field, and is a pretty good spokesperson. I’ve interviewed him on a radio program I produce in New York City and he was excellent in discussing the priority issues for promoting the health of New Yorkers. (Note: He has not told me that he wants the position.)
I also don’t believe that the position has to be filled by a physician. For example, Kristine Gebbie is a nurse who is the former commissioner of health for Washington State and Oregon. (Note: She has not told me that she wants the position.) And other non-nurses with public health experience should be considered.
Regardless, it will be interesting to see what unfolds. Koop’s appointment was not supported by the American Public Health Association because he was a pediatric surgeon, not a public health expert. But by most counts, Koop’s performance as Surgeon General earned him kudos for taking on some controversial issues. Perhaps the lack of unanimous support from the public health community spurred him to rise to the occasion.
Maybe Gupta will do likewise.
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January 21st, 2009 at 12:08 pm
Well said, Diana. I think we need to swamp Obama’s CHANGE website with our suggestions. I try to do so as often as possible however I think some other voices might help.
February 11th, 2009 at 11:00 am
Having worked with Chick Koop and been an appointee myself, the question I ask is why Gupta would want the job? there are cleat limits to what any government official can say or do, as dictated by laws, regulaions, politics, tensions with Congress and disputes within the Administration.
Though not privvy to the demands he currently faces on CNN, he’ll be placing himself in the position of ‘clearing’ what he says with a variety of officials more senior to him, held accountable by all stakeholders and fired at the first misstep. He may well be limited in what impact he can have as an official and find it is actually more constraining and provides more flexibility that he currently enjoys at CNN.
All the best to him or whomever lands the job!
February 11th, 2009 at 11:02 am
Having worked with Chick Koop and been an appointee myself, the question I ask is why Gupta would want the job? there are clear limits to what any government official can say or do, as dictated by laws, regulaions, politics, tensions with Congress and disputes within the Administration.
Though not privvy to the demands he currently faces on CNN, he’ll be placing himself in the position of ‘clearing’ what he says with a variety of officials more senior to him, held accountable by all stakeholders and fired at the first misstep. He may well be limited in what impact he can have as an official and find it is actually more constraining and provides more flexibility that he currently enjoys at CNN.
All the best to him or whomever lands the job!
May 27th, 2009 at 5:31 pm
I know it can be time-consuming to update your blog but thank you for keeping me informed and entertained!