Matthew L. Nathan

VADM Nathn Official Photo

Matthew L. Nathan is a retired Vice Admiral in the United States Navy. He served as the 37th Surgeon General of the United States Navy from 2011 to 2015.

Early Life and Education

Nathan was born in Glens Falls, New York. He attended the University of Texas at Austin, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1979. He then attended the Medical University of South Carolina, earning his Doctor of Medicine degree in 1983.

Military Career

Nathan was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the United States Navy in 1984. He completed his internship and residency in internal medicine at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland.

Key Assignments

Throughout his career, Nathan held various key positions, including:

• Commanding Officer of the Naval Hospital Pensacola in Pensacola, Florida
• Commanding Officer of the Naval Medical Center San Diego
• Commander of the Navy Medicine National Capital Area
• Chief of the Navy Medical Corps

Surgeon General of the United States Navy

In 2011, Nathan was appointed as the 37th Surgeon General of the United States Navy and Chief of the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery. During his tenure, he focused on improving the quality of care for service members and their families, enhancing medical readiness, and advancing medical research and innovation.

Awards and Decorations

Nathan's awards and decorations include:

• Navy Distinguished Service Medal
• Legion of Merit
• Meritorious Service Medal
• Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal
• Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal

Retirement

Nathan retired from the United States Navy in 2015 after more than 30 years of service. He continues to be involved in various medical and veterans' organizations.

See Also

• Surgeon General of the United States Navy
• United States Navy Medical Corps
• Bureau of Medicine and Surgery