About the Office of the Surgeon General

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.  In 2010, the Affordable Care Act designated the Surgeon General as the Chair of the National Prevention Council, which provides coordination and leadership among 20 executive departments with respect to prevention, wellness, and health promotion activities.

The Surgeon General oversees the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps (USPHS), an elite group of more than 6,700 uniformed officer public health professionals working throughout the federal government whose mission is to protect, promote, and advance the health of our nation.  

The Surgeon General is nominated by the President of the United States with advice and consent of the United States Senate for a four-year term of office.  The Office of the Surgeon General is part of the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. 

Vice Admiral Vivek H. Murthy, M.D., M.B.A., serves as Surgeon General and Rear Admiral Sylvia Trent-Adams, Ph.D., R.N., F.A.A.N., serves as Deputy Surgeon General.