The White House on Friday dismissed U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, a holdover from the Obama administration.
“Today, Dr. Murthy, the leader of the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, was asked to resign from his duties as Surgeon General after assisting in a smooth transition into the new Trump Administration,” the Department of Health and Human Services said in a statement, according to USA Today.
Murthy announced his farewell on Twitter:
“Dr. Murthy has been relieved of his duties as Surgeon General and will continue to serve as a member of the Commissioned Corps,” the statement read.
Rear Admiral Sylvia Trent-Adams, who previously served as deputy surgeon general, has become acting surgeon general. She becomes one of the first nurses to serve in this position, according to The New York Times.
Trent-Adams’ photo has already appeared on the official surgeon general website, Twitter and Facebook.
Murthy, who was confirmed on Dec. 14, 2014, was a vice admiral in the Public Health Service Commissioned Corps. He was the 19th surgeon general of the United States.
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