Who Appoints the U.S. Surgeon General?

The Surgeon General of the United States is not appointed by the President. Instead, the position is filled by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), with the appointee serving a four‑year term.

The Surgeon General serves as the nation’s leading spokesperson on public health matters, overseeing the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps and advising the Secretary and the President on health policy.