David Satcher

David Satcher (born March 2, 1941) is an American physician and public health administrator. He served as the Surgeon General of the United States from 1998 to 2002 and was also the Assistant Secretary for Health at the United States Department of Health and Human Services during the same period. Satcher is known for his work in addressing health disparities and promoting preventive health care.

Early Life and Education

David Satcher was born in Anniston, Alabama. He attended Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree. He then went on to receive his M.D. and Ph.D. from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. Satcher completed his residency and fellowship training at the University of Rochester and the UCLA School of Medicine.

Career

Academic and Medical Career

Before his tenure as Surgeon General, Satcher held several academic and administrative positions. He was the president of Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee, where he significantly improved the institution's financial stability and academic reputation. Satcher also served as the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and administrator of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR).

Surgeon General of the United States

As the 16th Surgeon General, Satcher focused on several key public health issues, including tobacco use, mental health, and obesity. He released numerous reports and initiatives aimed at improving the nation's health, such as the "Call to Action to Promote Sexual Health and Responsible Sexual Behavior" and the "Surgeon General's Report on Mental Health."

Post-Surgeon General Career

After his term as Surgeon General, Satcher continued to work in public health. He founded the Satcher Health Leadership Institute at Morehouse School of Medicine, which aims to develop a diverse group of public health leaders. Satcher has also served on various boards and committees, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Academy of Medicine.

Awards and Honors

David Satcher has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to public health, including the Public Health Service Distinguished Service Medal and the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Award for Humanitarian Contributions to the Health of Humankind.

Personal Life

Satcher is married to Nola Satcher, and they have four children. He is an advocate for health equity and continues to speak on issues related to public health and preventive care.

See Also

• Surgeon General of the United States
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Morehouse School of Medicine
• Public health