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Welcome, I’m Dr. Vivek Murthy, 21st U.S. Surgeon General.

As the Nation’s Doctor, my office is focused on the most pressing public health issues of our time. Read on about our current priorities.

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Dr. Murthy in his Vice Admiral uniform, smiling warmly at the camera

Our Priorities

Public health impacts all of us. We aim to help everyone understand these important issues and how we can work together to take action.

  • Social Connection

    Humans are wired for social connection, but we’re becoming more isolated over time. Loneliness and social isolation represent significant threats to individual and societal health and well-being. Social connection can lead to healthier, more prosperous and resilient individuals and communities. Learn more about how we can work together to advance social connection and improve our nation’s public health.

  • Youth Mental Health

    Far too many young people are struggling with their mental health and unable to get the support they need. Maintaining healthy children and families requires all of society—including policy, institutional, and individual changes in how we view and prioritize mental health. Learn more about how we can support and protect our youth.

  • Workplace Well‑Being

    We can build workplaces that are engines of well-being, showing workers that they matter, that their work matters, and that they have the workplace resources and support necessary to flourish. Learn more about the Five Essentials for Workplace Mental Health & Well-Being.

  • Health Misinformation

    With the abundance of health information available today, it can be hard to tell what is true or not. Many people are exposed to health misinformation: information that is false, inaccurate, or misleading according to the best available evidence at the time. Read more about health misinformation to learn how we can stop its spread.

  • Health Worker Burnout

    The pandemic has brought our nation’s healthcare workers to a breaking point. They are experiencing never-before-seen rates of burnout, psychological distress, and workforce shortages. We must act to support our health care workers with all that they need to heal and to thrive.

  • COVID-19

    Keeping our families and communities safe during the COVID-19 pandemic is a key priority for the nation and for the Surgeon General. For the most up-to-date guidance, visit the CDC website.

House Calls Podcast

House Calls with Dr. Vivek Murthy is a podcast hosted by the 21st U.S. Surgeon General. In each episode, Dr. Murthy and his guests explore how they navigate the messiness and uncertainties of life to find meaning and joy. By sharing openly what’s on our minds and in our hearts, we can find strength and healing through connection.

Go to all episodes

Latest Episode

Headshot of Dr. Rachel Naomi Remen, Physician & Teacher

Q&A on Becoming a Healer

podcast
The Surgeon General sits down with his long-time medical school mentor, Dr. Rachel Naomi Remen, to field House Calls listener questions on the journey to becoming a healer.
Watch Q&A on Becoming a Healer

Our nation’s health starts with yours.

Who We Are

Established in 1871, the U.S. Surgeon General commands the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps and serves as a leading voice for public health.

The mission of the U.S. Surgeon General is to protect, promote, and advance the health and safety of our nation. We achieve this by:

  • Communicating the best available scientific information for the benefit of all.

  • Encouraging nation-wide action on public health issues in collaboration with governments, businesses, and communities.

  • Developing strategies for advancing public health science and leadership.

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