19th US Surgeon General from Boston

It is hard not to feel a swell of pride that a Boston-based physician has been confirmed as the 19th U.S. Surgeon General. Vivek Murthy, MD, has practiced internal medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital for over a decade. As U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Murthy will surely have his most difficult task to provide “Americans with the best scientific information available on how to improve their health and reduce the risk of illness and injury.” But his experience as an advocate for improving health care, including founding several organizations that work towards this goal, have him well poised for this role.

Betsy Nabel, MD, president of Brigham and Women’s Hospital said it well in a WBUR Common Health article:

“ I can think of no one better suited for this important role and truly believe that we will be a stronger and healthier nation under his leadership. [Dr. Murthy] is a passionate advocate for improving access to quality health care and is driven by innate desire to help people all over the world achieve and maintain good health. ”

Congratulations, Dr. Murthy. We look forward to the good work you will accomplish through the office of the U.S. Surgeon General.