Gupta Withdraws From Consideration To Become Surgeon General

By: Brian Montopoli
Topics: In The News

(AP Photo/Diane Bondareff)

Dr. Sanjay Gupta has withdrawn his name from consideration to become surgeon general, the White House confirmed to CBS News today.

Gupta, a neurosurgeon, pulled out from consideration "in order to continue devoting time to his medical career and of course his work at CNN," according to CNN U.S. President Jon Klein.

Jerry Farrell, head of the Commissioned Officers Association, which represents the group overseen by the surgeon general, told Fox News that possible candidates have been calling his office to express their interest in the job now that Gupta has withdrawn and "the bidding process [is] open again."

News broke in early January that Gupta had sat down with President Obama and had been offered the position. It looked likely at the time he would take the job.

"He has asked for a few days to figure out the financial and logistical details of moving his family from Atlanta to Washington but is expected to accept the offer," the Washington Post reported at the time.

Since then, however, there has been little discussion of Gupta taking up the offer. Had he done so, the CBS News and CNN contributor, who had been a White House fellow, would likely have become the highest-profile surgeon general in U.S. history.

Gupta did not attend today's health care summit at the White House.

Brian Montopoli
Brian Montopoli is the senior political reporter at CBSNews.com.
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by andie52 March 6, 2009 10:38 AM EST: "one source close to him said he was very disheartened by Daschle's fate and fearful he was not going to get a prominent role in the health reform process.

Gupta has built a lucrative media empire that includes appearances on CBS as well as CNN and book deals. He had expressed concern to friends about the financial impact on his wife and children.

The choice of Gupta as Surgeon General -- the head of the commissioned corps of the U.S. Public Health Service -- was controversial from the start, as critics questioned his qualifications and experience."

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/44/2009/03/05/gupta_steps_aside.html; Reply to this comment


by wvu74621 March 6, 2009 8:02 AM EST: I have followed Presidential appointmnets since Reagan. I have never seen so many considred for appoinment be vetted and show criminal activity in the past, and yes tax evasion is a crime. I guess it goes to show what type company some are willing to keep.; Reply to this comment


by wvu74621 March 6, 2009 6:34 AM EST: This guy is no fool. He read the writing on the wall.; Reply to this comment


by 888irish March 6, 2009 2:55 AM EST: "Gupta, a neurosurgeon, pulled out from consideration "in order to continue devoting time to his medical career and of course his work at CNN,? according to CNN U.S. President Jon Klein."

It's more like he doesn't want to give up his work at CNN.

He probably likes being a "celebrity", so he isn't going to want to give that up.; Reply to this comment


by budmag06 March 6, 2009 1:22 AM EST: Too bad! He's a nice guy but, with all liberals you have to look deeper. On CNN, Gupta was a strong advocate for socialistic heath care and global warming and narrated CNN's propaganda specials. Anyone, who misleads the public by promoting public support for fraudulent causes should be a candidate for dismissal but, that would eliminate all of Obama's cabinet. Too bad for America didn't think deeper about Obama.; Reply to this comment


by FreddyBartholomew March 6, 2009 12:49 AM EST: Dr. Howard Dean to the white courtesy phone...; Reply to this comment


by tiredofthebs March 6, 2009 12:20 AM EST: Another one ( Cabinet Nominee ) bites the dust. How many is that now? I've lost count.; Reply to this comment


by WillowOne March 6, 2009 12:18 AM EST: 3. Acorn continues its worthy community service, including voter registration. Of course, you object to voter registration, since people on the raw end of Bushonomics have the right and ability to vote--and you fear that. You also forget Acorn did so much good work even McCain saluted the organization.

Posted by alphaa10000 at 6:26 PM : Mar 5, 2009

ACORN certainly needs to be doing community service, but not the kind you're speaking of...

Actually they should be doing TIME for their criminal actions....along with their glorious leader Comrade Bam Bam!; Reply to this comment


by goodntru March 5, 2009 11:53 PM EST: I hope the reason he isn't taking the post doesn't show up on Secret4Power.com.; Reply to this comment


by despido March 5, 2009 11:48 PM EST: I remember when... a call from the President to serve your country was an honor and a privilidge, refusal wasn't an option. But those blessed few among us must now choose between the prospects of associating with tax cheats and lobbyists or something like making TV commercials. At least its an easy choice. I don't blame him for refusing a berth on the Titanic.; Reply to this comment