Advocate for preventive care: Dr. Carmona is a welcome choice for surgeon general

Senate confirmation of Richard H. Carmona, MD, to fill this vacancy in public health leadership is an important step in addressing the nation's health goals.

Editorial. Aug. 26, 2002.

Obesity. Tobacco use. Drug and alcohol abuse. Skyrocketing asthma and diabetes rates.

These are just some of the public health problems confronting the United States, now also struggling with a greater awareness of bioterrorism and the other worries of the post-Sept. 11 era. Health needs that are ever urgent, and increasingly diverse, m

That's why the Senate's unanimous agreement that Richard H. Carmona, MD, should become U.S. surgeon general represents an important step forward. Meeting the nation's pressing public health needs requires filling the federal government's top health job

The American Medical Association applauded the Senate confirmation, describing the Tucson, Ariz., trauma surgeon and longtime AMA member as "a natural choice for surgeon general during a time of turmoil in our nation."

The physician who holds that office, vacant since the exit of David Satcher, MD, PhD, in February, is often referred to as "the people's doctor." The surgeon general also acts as a special adviser to the president, Congress and administration leaders o [...]