Page 17 CDU Newsletter
August 2023
Dr . Atul Nakhasi Appointed Director of Science and Policy by U . S Surgeon General
CDU faculty member Dr . Atul Nakhasi has been appointed as Director of Science & Policy for the Office of the U . S . Surgeon General ( OSG ).
Dr . Nakhasi will serve in this position for two years while maintaining his role at CDU ’ s College of Medicine as Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Internal Medicine .
Dr . Nakhasi initially joined the OSG as a Senior Advisor in 2022 , where he helped advise the Office on matters relating to its scientific and policy priorities before being promoted to the role of Director of Science & Policy .
“ So many of my patients in South Los Angeles face real challenges to accessing accurate health information in their daily lives : where to find it ? how to find it ? how to use and apply it ?” said
Dr . Nakhasi . “ I ’ m grateful for the chance to help in this mission and to shine a light on trustworthy public health information from the Nation ’ s Doctor .”
Dr . Nakhasi was selected for this position by the Chief of Staff and the U . S . Surgeon General .
“ Atul ’ s wealth of experience as a physician , policy advisor , and a public health communicator have made him not only an extraordinary public servant , but an invaluable leader as Director of Science & Policy at the Office of the Surgeon General ,” said Vice Admiral Vivek H . Murthy , MD , MBA , U . S . Surgeon General . “ His enthusiasm and passion for the mission of our office and for our larger team is invaluable . Atul ’ s vision and hard work have contributed to some of our most successful endeavors - his work here is a fraction of the larger impact that he will have on the
world in the years to come .”
The Director of Science & Policy ensures that the best available evidence is communicated to the American public by the United States Surgeon General .
This includes researching complex scientific and policy issues and briefing the U . S . Surgeon General , assessing the quality and rigor of scientific evidence on a range of policy priorities , translating science into simple and easily understood ways for the public , and ensuring the scientific accuracy of the public health information conveyed by the Office of the U . S . Surgeon General .
“ Good science can be lifesaving . It can help shape the choices and decisions we make every day and lead us to live healthier , longer , and more fulfilling lives ,” said Dr . Nakhasi .