That’s the word on the Hill and in today’s newspapers, and CNN has all but confirmed that its medical correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, will be President-elect Barack Obama’s choice for surgeon general.
When word spread yesterday that Obama had discussed the position with Gupta, it led to a lot of head scratching and “really?” comments on the Hill. Though a distinguished Atlanta neurosurgeon and professor, Gupta is best known to most Americans as a prolific television commentator. However, he served as an adviser to the Clinton White House, helping craft health care speeches and policy for Hillary Clinton.
According to an article in today’s Washington Post, some have concerns about Gupta’s participation in TV health-care coverage, a beat that often stresses style over substance. Others say he’ll bring a new era of communication to health care. Members of Congress have been quiet so far on Gupta — perhaps they’re still in shock over learning Leon Panetta was Obama’s choice to lead the Central Intelligence Agency.
