Dear Commissioned Corps Officers:
I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as the 20th Surgeon General of the United States. I look forward to working with all of you to advance the mission of the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps.
I am no stranger to the Commissioned Corps, in my previous role as Health Commissioner for the State of Indiana; I presided over the state’s efforts to deal with an unprecedented HIV and Hepatitis outbreak. In this capacity, I worked directly with several dynamic Commissioned Corps officers assigned to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to help stem the epidemic affecting that community.
Now that I am a part of the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, it is an honor to serve with such a dedicated and committed team of public health professionals. Since joining the Office of the Surgeon General, it has been incredibly busy. During my first month, I deployed to Puerto Rico and the United States Virgin Islands as part of the response and recovery efforts following Hurricanes Irma and Maria. While there, I was continually inspired by the leadership and professionalism demonstrated by our officers. I shared my personal reflections about the first trip as Surgeon General on social media channels: Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/USSurgeonGeneral/>, Twitter<https://twitter.com/Surgeon_General>, and Instagram<https://www.instagram.com/u.s.surgeongeneral/>. Next, we have worked on matters related to the opioid epidemic, health and national readiness, and health and the economy. It is truly a privilege to be part of the Commissioned Corps.
I would like to thank RADM Sylvia Trent-Adams for serving as Acting Surgeon General. We are all fortunate that a Commissioned Corps officer with such integrity, professionalism and deep knowledge of this Department, stepped in to serve so ably. I’m looking forward to continuing our partnership as she continues to serve as Deputy Surgeon General.
Thank you for your commitment to serving underserved populations. I look forward to serving alongside all of you.
With Corps Pride,
Jerome Adams, MD, MPH
VADM, USPHS
20th U.S. Surgeon General