Vivek Murthy, born on July 10, 1977, is a distinguished American physician who has made significant contributions to public health in the United States. He served as the 19th and 21st Surgeon General, a role he held from 2015 to 2017 and again from 2021 to 2025, under the administrations of Presidents Barack Obama, Donald Trump, and Joe Biden. Notably, Murthy is the first Surgeon General of Indian descent and was the youngest active duty flag officer in federal uniformed service during his first term.
In addition to his roles as Surgeon General, Murthy played a pivotal part in the Biden administration's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. He co-chaired the President-elect's COVID-19 Advisory Board from November 2020 to January 2021, working alongside prominent figures such as former FDA commissioner David A. Kessler and Yale public health professor Marcella Nunez-Smith.
On December 7, 2020, President Biden announced Murthy's return to the role of U.S. Surgeon General, a decision that was confirmed by the United States Senate on March 23, 2021, with a vote of fifty-seven to forty-three. His leadership during these challenging times has been marked by a commitment to public health and safety.
In October 2022, Murthy was nominated by President Biden to serve as the U.S. representative on the World Health Organization's executive board, further solidifying his influence in global health matters. His career reflects a dedication to improving health outcomes and addressing pressing health issues both domestically and internationally.