5600 Fishers Lane
Room 18-66
Rockville,
MD 20857
301-443-4000 (Voice)
301-443-3574 (FAX)
Prior to 1966, the Surgeon General was the head of the PHS, and all program, administrative, and financial management authorities flowed through the Surgeon General, who reported directly to the Secretary. In 1966, pursuant to a reorganization plan issued by President Lyndon B. Johnson, the authorities of the Surgeon General were transferred to the Secretary and delegated to the Assistant Secretary for Health. The Office of the Surgeon General was abolished and the position of Surgeon General became that of a principal deputy to the Assistant Secretary for Health with responsibility for advising and assisting on professional medical matters. In addition, a primary role developed in which the Surgeon General became the PHS spokesperson on certain health issues. In 1987, the Office of the Surgeon General (OSG) was reestablished as a staff office within the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health. In carrying out all responsibilities, the Surgeon General reports to the Assistant Secretary for Health, who is the principal advisor to the Secretary on public health and scientific issues.