Richard Carmona

Richard Carmona (born November 22, 1949) is an American physician, nurse, police officer, and public health administrator who served as the 17th Surgeon General of the United States. Appointed by President George W. Bush, Carmona served from 2002 to 2006. His tenure focused on issues such as tobacco use, obesity, and pandemic preparedness. Prior to his role as Surgeon General, Carmona had a diverse career, including serving in the United States Army and working in trauma care.

Early Life and Education[edit | edit source]

Richard Carmona was born in New York City to parents of Puerto Rican descent. He faced challenges during his early life, including homelessness. Despite these obstacles, Carmona enlisted in the United States Army in 1967, where he served in the Special Forces, becoming a combat-decorated Vietnam War veteran. After leaving the military, Carmona pursued higher education, earning his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of California, San Francisco in 1977 and his Medical Degree from the same institution in 1979.

Career[edit | edit source]

After completing his medical training, Carmona worked in various medical roles, including as a surgeon and as a professor of medicine. He gained recognition for his work in trauma care and was involved in law enforcement, serving as a deputy sheriff in Pima County, Arizona, where he was also a SWAT team leader.

In 2002, Carmona was nominated by President George W. Bush to serve as the United States Surgeon General. During his tenure, he focused on critical public health issues, including the dangers of second-hand smoke, the need for improved health literacy, and the importance of emergency preparedness. Carmona advocated for science-based public health policies and often emphasized the importance of prevention in healthcare.

Post-Surgeon General Career[edit | edit source]

After leaving the position of Surgeon General, Carmona continued to be involved in public health and policy. He has served on various boards and commissions related to health care and public safety. In 2012, Carmona ran for the United States Senate in Arizona as a Democratic candidate but was defeated.

Legacy[edit | edit source]

Richard Carmona's tenure as Surgeon General is noted for his efforts to address significant public health challenges and his commitment to science-based policy. He has been recognized for his contributions to public health and his service to the country, both in the military and in civilian roles.