Surgeon General of the United States Dr. Luther Terry, M.D., publishes the landmark report Smoking and Health: Report of the Advisory Committee to the Surgeon General of the United States saying that smoking may be hazardous to health, sparking national and worldwide anti-smoking efforts.

The Role of the U.S. Surgeon General

The Surgeon General of the United States serves as the paramount public health advocate and operational leader of the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps (PHSCC). This pivotal role makes the Surgeon General the leading spokesperson for all public health matters within the federal government, tasked with informing the nation and guiding health policy on crucial health challenges.

The Office and Its Place in Government

The administrative body supporting the Surgeon General is known as the Office of the Surgeon General (OSG). This office operates under the broader umbrella of the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health (OASH), which itself is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This organizational structure ensures the Surgeon General's advisories and initiatives are integrated into the nation's highest levels of health policy formulation and implementation.

Appointment Process and Qualifications

The process for appointing a U.S. Surgeon General is rigorous, mirroring that of other high-ranking federal officials. The individual is first nominated by the President of the United States and then must undergo a confirmation process by the U.S. Senate. This Senate confirmation emphasizes the critical nature and public trust associated with the role, ensuring broad political endorsement.

To qualify for this esteemed position, candidates must be appointed from individuals who are members of the regular corps of the U.S. Public Health Service (PHS). Furthermore, they are required to possess specialized training or extensive experience in public health programs, ensuring a foundation of credible medical and public health expertise. While there is no prerequisite for a specific duration of prior membership in the PHS, nominees have traditionally been commissioned into the Public Health Service and simultaneously appointed as Surgeon General.

Term, Rank, and Current Incumbent

The Surgeon General serves a fixed four-year term of office, providing a consistent period for strategic health initiatives and long-term public health planning. As a uniformed officer of the Public Health Service Commissioned Corps—one of the nation's seven uniformed services—the Surgeon General holds the rank of a Vice Admiral. This rank is equivalent to a three-star flag officer in other U.S. uniformed services, such as the Navy or Army. The specific seniority within the commissioned corps, whether senior or next most senior, can depend on the rank of the current Assistant Secretary for Health if that individual is also a commissioned corps officer.

Currently, the U.S. Surgeon General is Vice Admiral Vivek Murthy, M.D., M.B.A. Notably, Dr. Murthy has served two tenures in this vital role, first from 2014 to 2017 and again since 2021, underscoring his extensive experience and dedication to national public health challenges.

A Historical Milestone: The 1964 Smoking and Health Report

One of the most defining moments in the history of the U.S. Surgeon General's office, and indeed in American public health, was the release of the report titled Smoking and Health: Report of the Advisory Committee to the Surgeon General of the United States.

Published on January 11, 1964, this landmark document was the culmination of extensive scientific review by the Surgeon General's Advisory Committee on Smoking and Health, presided over by the then-Surgeon General, Dr. Luther Leonidas Terry, M.D. Its meticulous findings provided irrefutable evidence of the severe negative health effects directly attributable to tobacco smoking, including clear links to lung cancer, heart disease, and other chronic illnesses.

The Impact and Legacy of Dr. Luther Terry's Report

Before 1964, tobacco use was widespread and socially accepted, often even promoted by medical professionals in advertising. Dr. Terry's report fundamentally altered public perception and policy regarding smoking. It served as a powerful catalyst for a nationwide movement towards tobacco control, leading directly to:

This report exemplifies the Surgeon General's crucial role in leveraging rigorous scientific evidence to protect and advance the nation's public health, establishing a model for future public health interventions.

Frequently Asked Questions About the U.S. Surgeon General

What is the primary role of the U.S. Surgeon General?
The U.S. Surgeon General serves as the leading spokesperson on public health matters for the federal government and is the operational head of the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps (PHSCC). This role involves issuing public health advisories, leading national health initiatives, and educating the public on pressing health issues.
Who appoints the Surgeon General?
The Surgeon General is nominated by the President of the United States and then confirmed by a vote of the U.S. Senate.
What qualifications are required to be Surgeon General?
Candidates must be members of the U.S. Public Health Service's regular corps and possess specialized training or significant experience in public health programs. They typically hold a medical degree (M.D.) and often have advanced degrees in public health, ensuring a strong foundation in medical and public health sciences.
How long is a Surgeon General's term?
A Surgeon General serves a fixed four-year term of office.
What is the significance of the 1964 Surgeon General's Report on Smoking and Health?
This landmark report, led by Dr. Luther Terry, provided the first comprehensive and conclusive scientific evidence linking tobacco smoking to severe health risks, including cancer and heart disease. It profoundly influenced public health policy, leading to warning labels, advertising restrictions, and a subsequent decline in smoking rates, fundamentally transforming public health awareness and action in the U.S.
What military rank does the Surgeon General hold?
The Surgeon General holds the rank of a Vice Admiral, which is equivalent to a three-star flag officer in other U.S. uniformed services.