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The amazing power of surgeon: How to affect the life of millions of people in the public health crisis?
Whenever a public health crisis breaks out in the United States, the position of Surgeon General often becomes the focus of national attention. This senior official is not only the leader of the public health service but also the nation's leading spokesperson on health issues. From its groundbreaking report on smoking and health in 1964 to its response to the COVID-19 pandemic in recent years, the Surgeon General’s role in shaping the nation’s health strategy and public awareness is immeasurable.
During many crises, the surgeon general's decisions and voice impact the lives of millions of people.
The Role and Responsibilities of the Surgeon
The main task of the surgeon general is to provide health advice to society and promote a healthy lifestyle, not only in times of crisis but also in everyday life. The Office of the Surgeon General is responsible for issuing warnings and guidance on public health issues. One of the most famous examples is the health warning labels that have appeared on all U.S. cigarette packages since 1966.
Surgeons may not have direct legislative power over public health policy, but their opinions are far-reaching and can sometimes even lead to policy changes.
History Review
The history of the Surgeon General's Office dates back to 1798, when Congress established the Naval Hospital Fund. Over time, this agency evolved into today's Public Health Service and gradually became an independent department responsible for protecting the health of the American public. In particular, the surgeon general played a pivotal role in several major public health events of the 20th century, such as the 1964 Luther Terry report that directly linked cigarette smoking to health risks for the first time.
The influence of surgeons
The challenges surgeons face are often not just scientific data, but also political pressure and social expectations. For example, in his 1986 report, C. Everett Koop proposed that AIDS education should begin in kindergarten, which was a very controversial proposition at the time. In the face of pressure from the Ronald Reagan administration, he still insisted on proposing protective measures, which shows the surgeon general's courageous stand under strong pressure.
The surgeon’s job is more than just communicating medical facts; they must also find a balance between ethics, politics and medicine.
Contemporary Challenges
The challenges facing surgeons today remain daunting, especially during the pandemic. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Surgeon General Vivek Murthy has been continuously updating health guidelines and communicating pandemic prevention information to the public. His role is not only to speak out, but also to serve as a bridge between the government and the public, promoting the transmission of correct information and the spread of health knowledge.
Conclusion
The role of surgeons is not limited to delivering health information and preventing disease; their performance during public health crises also profoundly affects the country's response and public behavior. As society becomes more aware of health issues, surgeons' influence will only grow. We should ask ourselves: In today’s rapidly changing world, how can surgeons more effectively guide the future of public health?
