ASA Member Jerome Adams, M.D., Approved by Senate Committee as Surgeon General Nominee

On Wednesday, August 2, the Senate Health, Education Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee voted to approve ASA member Dr. Jerome Adams nomination for Surgeon General. With this approval, Dr. Adams now faces a vote in the full U.S. Senate, and if approved, would be the first physician anesthesiologist to ever hold the position.

The day before the vote, the Committee held a hearing on several nominations, including Dr. Adams’ nomination. During the hearing, Dr. Adams answered several questions regarding the opioid abuse epidemic, his experience as Indiana Health Commissioner addressing the HIV/AIDS outbreak, and community-based solutions to public health issues. Other nominees testifying on his panel included Lance Robertson, of Edmond, OK, nominated to be Assistant Secretary for Aging; Brett Giroir, M.D., of College Station, TX, nominated to be Assistant Secretary for Health; Robert Kadlec, M.D., of Alexandria, VA, nominated to be Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response and Elinore F. McCance-Katz, M.D., of Cranston, RI, nominated to be Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use.

ASA congratulates Dr. Jerome Adams and supports his nomination as our nation’s next Surgeon General. ASA leaders and staff will continue to monitor his nomination process and provide updates.

You can watch a recording of yesterday's hearing here: https://www.help.senate.gov/hearings/nomination-hearing5

Read more about the Committee vote here.