Surgeon generals are appointed by presidents, but our work isn't about politics. Our highest duty to to the public. Our true guide is science. Our job is to speak the truth about public health, even when it's controversial or perceived as political.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes that public health should be guided by scientific truth rather than political considerations.
Vivek Murthy highlights the role of Surgeon Generals in prioritizing public health over political agendas. By stating that their highest duty is to the public, he stresses the importance of science and truth, especially when addressing controversial health issues. The core message is that healthcare professionals must advocate for evidence-based practices even in politically sensitive situations.
In practice
During a public health seminar addressing vaccination, a speaker could quote Murthy to emphasize the importance of scientific guidance.
I think sometimes in the focus on deep friendships and on romantic relationships, we can lose sight of how important the small connections we make are with strangers and with people that we may encounter for just a few seconds or a few minutes, whether it's the barista at our coffee shop or the stranger next to us on the subway.
Without strong communities, we cannot pull together during times of hardship. Our diversity turns from a source of strength to a source of conflict.
One of the things that happens in our regular lives is that when we're in moments of pain or feeling alone, we may hesitate to reach out to others because we may think - they're not going through the same experiences I am.
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Our health care workers are the heroes of the Covid-19 response.
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Running helps me stay on an even keel and in an optimistic frame of mind.
Self-care is the non-negotiable. That's the thing that you have to do. And beauty is the thing that can be the benefit of the self-care. Beauty is not the point. Beauty is just a cute side-effect from self-care.
You're not going to eliminate concussions. Anytime you hit your head, you have a chance of getting a concussion, in any sport, too. I think we have to learn more about it. Part of it is rules, part of it is equipment, part of it is medical studies, knowing more about the brain.
Chronic disease is a foodborne illness. We ate our way into this mess, and we must eat our way out.
Everything you do, you'll do better with a good night's sleep.
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