President Bush today announced his nominees for two of the most critical health care positions in his Administration. The President has nominated experienced and highly qualified medical professionals who understand America's medical research and public health needs to serve as Director of the National Institutes of Health and as Surgeon General.

Director of National Institutes of Health

Dr. Elias Zerhouni is the President's nominee for Director of the NIH. He currently serves as the Executive Vice Dean of the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Chairman of the Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science at Johns Hopkins and as Professor of Radiology and Biomedical Engineering. He has also served as Vice Dean for Research at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

Dr. Zerhouni will bring to the position:

• A strong scientific research background, including work on NIH-sponsored research;
• Experience in running a large medical research organization; and
• Leadership on the cutting edge of medical technology.

President Bush will direct Dr. Zerhouni to oversee the record-level federal investment in biomedical research, while ensuring that this research is conducted in an ethical way.

Surgeon General

Dr. Richard Carmona is the President's nominee to serve as the next Surgeon General. Dr. Carmona is currently Clinical Professor of Surgery, Public Health, and Family and Community Medicine at the University of Arizona, as well as Chairman of the State of Arizona Southern Regional Emergency Medical System. Carmona has an extensive record of public service, including serving as an Army Green Beret in Vietnam, a police officer, a SWAT team member and as a nurse. His dedication has been widely recognized: he was named Physician of the Year in 1993 for Pima County, Arizona, and he is a past recipient of the "Top Cops" award from the National Association of Police Organizations.

Dr. Carmona will bring to the position:

• Significant experience in managing major public health organizations;
• A strong background in preparedness and dealing with emergencies; and
• A commitment to prevention as an effective means to improve public health.

President Bush announced that the next Surgeon General will address three urgent health issues:

• Ensuring that America is prepared to respond to major public health emergencies, such as bioterrorism;
• Leading a new initiative that focuses on prevention, fitness and healthy living as keys to reducing disease and improving medical care; and
• Speaking out regularly to the nation about the health dangers of alcohol and drug abuse.

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