Commissioned Corps Leadership
Assistant Secretary for Health
The Assistant Secretary for Health (ASH) oversees the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) Commissioned Corps, providing it with strategic and policy direction. The ASH serves as the primary advisor to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on matters involving the Nation’s public health and science. The ASH runs the Office of Public Health and Science and helps coordinate the activities of the USPHS agencies on behalf of the Secretary. Howard Koh, M.D., M.P.H is the Assistant Secretary for Health.
Surgeon General
The Surgeon General, through the Office of the Surgeon General, oversees the 6,000-member Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service. Under the supervision of the ASH, the Surgeon General of the USPHS provides operational command of the Commissioned Corps. The Surgeon General is America's chief health educator, responsible for giving Americans the best scientific information available on how to improve their health and reduce the risk of illness and injury. The Surgeon General is appointed by the President of the United States with the advice and consent of the United States Senate for a 4-year term of office. Vice Admiral Regina Benjamin, M.D., M.B.A. is the Surgeon General.