Dr Vivek Murthy has been appointed as Surgeon General by US President-elect Joe Biden, reported PTI.
43-year-old Murthy served as Surgeon General during the Obama administration.
Announcing his nomination on Tuesday, Biden said, “Dr Murthy will be one of my most trusted public health and medical advisors, and I’m grateful for his continued public service.”
The President-elect added that Dr Murthy was a renowned physician and research scientist. He was a trusted advisor during this campaign and transition and this will be his second time serving as America’s Doctor.
Biden said he had asked Murthy to serve again as Surgeon General, but with expanded responsibilities.
“He will be a key public voice on our COVID-19 response, to restore public trust and faith in science and medicine. But he will also be a key advisor to me and help lead an all-government approach to broader public health issues — mental health, addiction and substance use disorders, social and environmental determinants of health, and so much more,” he said.
“Above all, he will help restore faith in this country as a place of possibilities. A son of Indian immigrants, who raised their children to always believe in the promise of America,” Biden said.
Dr Murthy was previously confirmed by the Senate to serve in the same capacity, holding the post as ‘America’s Doctor’ between 2014 and 2017.
