News Release

Statement by Mike Leavitt, Secretary of Health and Human Services, On the Nomination of James W. Holsinger, Jr. to be Surgeon General

I am pleased the President has nominated such an impressive individual to be the 18^th Surgeon General of the U.S. Public Health Service.  Dr. Holsinger’s significant experience as a physician, educator and leader make him an excellent choice to serve as “America’s doctor.”  

A cardiologist, Dr. Holsinger has served as the Secretary for Health and Family Services for the Commonwealth of Kentucky, the Chancellor of the University of Kentucky Medical Center and held numerous academic and administrative appointments.  Dr. Holsinger’s 26-year career with the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs culminated in appointment as Under Secretary for Health in 1992.  In addition, Dr. Holsinger served over 30 years in the U.S. Army Reserve, retiring with the rank of Major General in 1992.  His lifetime of knowledge in providing medical care, teaching, and delivering public health and medical services to children and vulnerable populations will enhance the Office of the Surgeon General’s mission to improve the health of all Americans. 

With our nation facing many important public health issues such as childhood obesity, his experience and expertise is a great addition to the HHS leadership team.  I look forward to working with Dr. Holsinger and I encourage the Senate to act quickly on his nomination.  

For more information about the Office of the Surgeon General, please go to http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/.

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Note: All HHS press releases, fact sheets and other press materials are available at http://www.hhs.gov/news.

Last revised: August 29, 2008