Richard Carmona

Richard Carmona
Name	Richard Carmona
Office	17th United States Surgeon General
President	George W. Bush
Term start	August 5, 2003
Term end	July 31, 2006
Predecessor	David Satcher
Successor	Steven K. Galson (Acting)
Birth date	22 November 1949
Birth place	New York City, New York, U.S.
Party	Democratic (2006–present)
Otherparty	Republican (before 2006)
Spouse	Diana Sanchez
Education	Bronx Community College (AA), University of California, San Francisco (BS, MD), University of Arizona (MPH)
Allegiance	United States
Branch	United States Army
Serviceyears	1967–1971
Rank	Sergeant
Unit	United States Army Special Forces
Battles	Vietnam War
Awards	Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Combat Medical Badge

Richard Carmona is an American physician, public health administrator, and politician who served as the 17th United States Surgeon General under President George W. Bush. A decorated Special Forces veteran of the Vietnam War, his career spans trauma surgery, academia, and law enforcement. After his tenure as Surgeon General, he entered politics, running unsuccessfully for the United States Senate from Arizona in 2012.

Early life and education

Born in New York City to a poor Puerto Rican family, he dropped out of high school and earned a General Educational Development certificate. He enlisted in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, serving as a medic with the Special Forces and receiving the Purple Heart and Bronze Star Medal. After his military service, he used the G.I. Bill to attend Bronx Community College, earning an Associate of Arts degree. He then completed a Bachelor of Science in University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and remained there to earn his Doctor of Medicine degree, followed by a surgical residency at UCSF Medical Center. He later earned a Master of Public Health from the University of Arizona.

Medical and military career

Carmona built a distinguished career in trauma surgery and emergency medical services in Tucson. He became a professor of surgery, public health, and family and community medicine at the University of Arizona College of Medicine. He also served as chairman of the State of Arizona Southern Regional Emergency Medical System, a police surgeon for the Pima County Sheriff's Department, and a SWAT team member. His expertise led to roles as a consultant to the National Institutes of Health and the Director of National Intelligence. He is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons.

United States Surgeon General

Nominated by President George W. Bush in 2002 and confirmed by the United States Senate in 2003, he served as Surgeon General until 2006. His tenure focused on preparedness, including issuing the landmark "The Surgeon General's Call to Action to Prevent and Decrease Overweight and Obesity" and reports on underage drinking and secondhand smoke. He advocated for global health diplomacy and often clashed with the Bush administration over the politicization of science, particularly regarding issues like emergency contraception and stem cell research.

Post-Surgeon General career

After leaving federal office, he returned to academia and the private sector. He served as vice chairman of Canyon Ranch, a wellness resort company, and joined the board of directors for LifePoint Health. He also became a distinguished professor at the University of Arizona Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health and a senior executive for the consulting firm CNSI. He has been a frequent commentator on public health issues for media outlets like CNN and The New York Times.

Political career

Originally a Republican, he switched his party affiliation to the Democratic Party after his service as Surgeon General. In 2012, he was the Democratic nominee for the United States Senate from Arizona, seeking the seat being vacated by Jon Kyl. He was endorsed by President Barack Obama but lost the general election to Republican Jeff Flake. He has since remained active in public health advocacy and Democratic politics in Arizona.

Personal life

He is married to Diana Sanchez, a nurse, and they have two children. An avid outdoorsman, he is a certified scuba diver, pilot, and rock climber. His experiences growing up in poverty and serving in combat have deeply influenced his perspectives on healthcare disparities and veteran's issues. He resides in Tucson.

Category:1949 births Category:Living people Category:United States Surgeons General Category:American military personnel of the Vietnam War Category:American surgeons Category:University of Arizona faculty Category:Democratic Party United States senators from Arizona Category:People from New York City Category:American people of Puerto Rican descent