Jerome Adams nominated to be next U.S. surgeon general

Indiana’s state health commissioner Dr. Jerome Adams has been nominated to be the next surgeon general of the United States.

Adams, 42, has been an advocate for syringe exchange programs to stop his state’s outbreak of HIV caused by needle-sharing among drug users.

Adams, a practicing anesthesiologist, will be replacing Vivek Murthy, who was dismissed by President Donald Trump earlier this year. He must be confirmed by the Senate.
Currently, Sylvia Trent-Adams, a rear admiral in the U.S. Public Health Service, is acting surgeon general.

The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) said Adams was a good choice.

“Dr. Adams understands the healthcare landscape, has first-hand experience dealing with serious public health issues, and will be a strong advocate for state public health, bringing a unique and valuable set of skills to the nation’s healthcare system,” said Michael Fraser, executive director of ASTHO.”

“His knowledge of public health challenges and opportunities as Indiana State Health Commissioner will serve our nation well in the months and years ahead.”

Thanks @ASTHO! See statement below: State and Territorial Health Leaders Commend Nomination of Dr. Jerome Adams for U.S. Surgeon General https://t.co/SejALftAOV

— Jerome Adams (@JeromeAdamsMD) June 30, 2017

Adams was named Indiana’s health commissioner in 2014 by then-governor Mike Pence, who is now vice president.
Adams, originally from Mechanicsville, Maryland, attended the University of Maryland Baltimore County, earned a Masters in Public Health (MPH) from the University of California at Berkeley and an M.D. from the Indiana University School of Medicine

Source: NBC News