Opinion: Former surgeon general: The Senate must not approve someone who can’t practice medicine as the nation’s top doctor

Eight years ago, I sat before the Senate for my confirmation hearing to be surgeon general. Republican Todd Young (Ind.) and Democrat Joe Donnelly (Ind.) introduced me, and I was confirmed unanimously.

That bipartisan support reflected more than politics. It reflected preparation: a medical degree, completion of an anesthesiology residency, board certification, an active license, a master’s in public health, and service as Indiana’s health commissioner. I was also actively practicing at a Level I trauma center.

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