Dr. Jerome Adams has been sworn in as the new surgeon general. He’s an anesthesiologist who completed his undergraduate studies in biochemistry and biopsychology at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). Adams earned his medical degree from the Indiana University School of Medicine, and also holds a Masters of Public Health from the University of California, Berkeley.
Adams said at his swearing-in ceremony that his immediate attention will focus on helping Hurricane Harvey victims. During his tenure, he plans to address the nation’s opioid epidemic, mental health challenges and childhood obesity, USA Today reported.
3 Things To Know About Dr. Jerome Adams
- Freeman A. Hrabowski, UMBC president, is one of his “biggest mentors,” Adams told UMBC News. Hrabowski takes a special interest in promoting STEM education among minority students.
- Adams conducted research at the University of Zimbabwe Medical School in 1995, focused on assessing the prevalence and predictors of hypertension among rural and urban Black Zimbabweans, according to his resume.
- Adams has spoken at several events in Indiana focused on improving minority health, including the Indiana Black Barbershop Health Initiative.