Surgeon General Jerome Adams is revealing he has been asked by President-elect Joe Biden’s transition team to step down.
“I’ve been asked by the Biden team to step down as Surgeon General. Its been the honor of my life to serve this Nation, and I will do all I can to ensure everyone has an equal opportunity to achieve and maintain health,” Adams wrote on Twitter on Wednesday.
I've been asked by the Biden team to step down as Surgeon General. Its been the honor of my life to serve this Nation, and I will do all I can to ensure everyone has an equal opportunity to achieve and maintain health. See my full statement at: https://t.co/pCkbpealt8
— Dr. Vivek Murthy, U.S. Surgeon General (@Surgeon_General) January 20, 2021
In a Facebook post, Adams recalled his experience as the 20th United States Surgeon General.
He noted his tenure “started with three category 5 hurricanes barreling down on our citizens.”
Admas added, “I saw the best of our Nation coming together in the worse of times, to help those who’d lost everything.”
He reflected on the role he had in the midst of the opioid epidemic and tackling the issues of youth e-cigarette and youth marijuana use.
“And of course there was COVID19. In the face of a once in a century pandemic, I sought to communicate the rapidly evolving science on this deadly adversary, and arm people with the knowledge and tools they needed to stay safe,” Adams wrote.
He continued, “I wasn’t always right- because no one was, and this virus continues to humble all of us- but I was always sincere in my efforts to speak to every day Americans, and address the terrible health inequities this virus exposed.”
Adams reminded Americans they “mostly want the same thing.”
“They want a fair shot at being their best and healthiest self, and to be able to support the health and well being of their families,” he went on.
He expressed his appreciation for those who have supported his family.
“I hope in 2021 and beyond, we can focus more on what unites us, and rise above what divides us. Because Americans working together can overcome any obstacle or adversary,” Adams said.
He concluded, “I stand at the ready to help in our mutual quest for recovery, resilience, and health, and thank you from the bottom of my heart, for the opportunity to serve.”
