News Anchor To Be Next Surgeon General?

President-elect Barack Obama hasapproached CNN's medical correspondent, Sanjay Gupta, to be thecountry's next surgeon general.

By: Katie Hammond | WKRG-TV
Published: January 06, 2009

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WASHINGTON (AP) - CNN says President-elect Barack Obama has
approached its medical correspondent, Sanjay Gupta, to be the
country's next surgeon general.
The cable news network said Tuesday that it has kept Gupta from
reporting on health care policy and other matters involving the
incoming Obama administration since learning he was under
consideration for the post.
Gupta hosts "House Call" on CNN and also is a correspondent
for CBS.
The surgeon general typically isn't heavily involved in shaping
an administration's policy, but it can be a very effective bully
pulpit. Past surgeons general have proved instrumental in battling
tobacco and AIDS.
Having a person comfortable on television could perhaps elevate
the now relatively obscure position, and be helpful for Obama, who
is personally very health conscious.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)