{"id":508,"date":"2016-05-05T23:09:08","date_gmt":"2016-05-05T23:09:08","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.besthealthsciencedegree.com\/?page_id=508"},"modified":"2016-05-01T23:09:32","modified_gmt":"2016-05-01T23:09:32","slug":"5-duties-of-the-surgeon-general","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"http:\/\/www.besthealthsciencedegree.com\/lists\/5-duties-of-the-surgeon-general\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Duties of the Surgeon General"},"content":{"rendered":"
Wikipedia describes the United States Surgeon General as the \u201cleading spokesperson on matters of public health in the federal government.\u201d The office dates back to the establishment of the Marine Hospital Fund in 1798<\/a>, and today the surgeon general serves a four-year term that involves important duties relating to public health and safety.<\/p>\n The USPHS is a body of over 6,000 uniformed health professionals who work for the federal government to promote and protect public health. These officers must always be ready for deployment in the event of a health crisis. As a vice admiral in the USPHS, the Surgeon General is responsible for determining if such a deployment is necessary. In a world where both epidemics and biological warfare are real concerns, this duty of the Surgeon General is of vital importance to the health of the nation.<\/p>\n Health gimmicks fly at the public from every direction, but the Surgeon General is responsible for making sure that the information coming down from the federal government is founded on the latest scientific research. Recommendations include diet and lifestyle habits that promote health and reduce the risk of disease. The establishment of the Affordable Care Act made the Surgeon General chair of the National Prevention Council, a responsibility that\u2019s best taken on by a doctor who can interpret research and apply it to the creation of national health policies.<\/p>\n Related reading:\u00a0What is a Wellness Coordinator in Health Science?<\/a><\/p>\n The Surgeon General\u2019s warning label appears on products such as cigarettes and alcohol that may pose health risks when consumed. It\u2019s the job of the Surgeon General to alert consumers to these and other potential health hazards that may be present in commonly used products. Some FDA investigators<\/a> are members of the USPHS and perform testing and sampling under the direction of the Surgeon General. These investigators are part of the teams that determine whether or not it\u2019s necessary to prompt product recalls in response to contamination that could cause illness.<\/p>\n Many public health awards are issued by the USPHS, and the Surgeon General oversees this process. Awards include high honors such as the Surgeon General\u2019s Medallion and are given to individuals or units displaying excellent performance in various sectors of public health. These awards recognize displays of dedication and single out those who are willing to go above and beyond the call of duty to protect the public from health risks. There are also many service and campaign awards issued to highlight specific achievements. USPHS members are entitled to display all awards on their uniforms.<\/p>\nHead of the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps (USPHS)<\/h3>\n
Promotes National Health and Wellness<\/h3>\n
Warns and Protects the Public<\/h3>\n
Presents Public Health Awards<\/h3>\n
Serves as a Representative<\/h3>\n