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Carmona, Vice Admiral Richard H., M.D., F.A.C.S.
US Fact Witness
Admiral Carmona is the United States Surgeon General, a post he has held since August 2002. He has worked in various positions in the medical field prior to his current post, including paramedic, registered nurse and physician. He was the chairman of the State of Arizona Southern Regional Emergency Medical System, a professor of surgery, public health and family and community medicine at the University of Arizona, and the Pima County Sheriff's Department surgeon and deputy sheriff. Dr. Carmona has also held progressive positions of responsibility as Chief Medical Officer, Hospital Chief Executive Officer, Public Health Officer, and finally Chief Executive Officer of the Pima County Health Care System. He has also served as a medical director of police and fire departments. His responsibilities as United States Surgeon General include the following:
- To protect and advance the health of the Nation through educating the public; advocating for effective disease prevention and health promotion programs and activities; and, provide a highly recognized symbol of national commitment to protecting and improving the public's health;
- To articulate scientifically based health policy analysis and advice to the President and the Secretary of Health and Human Services ("HHS") on the full range of critical public health, medical, and health system issues facing the Nation;
- To provide leadership in promoting special Departmental health initiatives, e.g., tobacco and HIV prevention efforts, with other governmental and non-governmental entities, both domestically and internationally; and
- To elevate the quality of public health practice in the professional disciplines through the advancement of appropriate standards and research priorities.
Source: United States' Factual Memorandum Pursuant to Order #470, Section V (tab 1)