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Dr. James W. Holsinger, Jr. Nominated Surgeon General


Holsinger_James-WDr. James W. Holsinger, Jr. (MS ’81, Distinguished Alumnus ’00), chairman of health sciences and professor of preventive medicine at the University of Kentucky’s College of Public Health, was nominated May 25 by President Bush to serve as the 18th Surgeon General of the United States.

Holsinger headed the state of Kentucky’s health care system from 2003 to 2005 and is former chancellor of the Albert B. Chandler Medical Center at the University of Kentucky.

"As America's chief health educator, he will be charged with providing the best scientific information available on how Americans can make smart choices that improve their health and reduce their risk of illness and injury," Mr. Bush said.  "Dr. Holsinger will particularly focus his efforts on educating parents and children about childhood obesity, a serious epidemic that decreases quality of life and burdens our health care system."

Holsinger said that it is "a great honor to be nominated for the U.S. Surgeon General by President Bush."  Holsinger must be confirmed in the position by the U.S. Senate.

A native of Kansas City, Kansas, Holsinger holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Kentucky in human studies as well as a master’s degree in biblical studies from Asbury Theological Seminary.  He earned a master of science degree in hospital financial management from the Moore School of Business in 1981, and was named a Moore School Distinguished Alumnus in 2000.  He holds a medical degree from Duke University and a doctorate in anatomy and physiology, also from Duke. 

He completed residencies in general surgery at Duke Hospital, Durham, North Carolina, and Shands Teaching Hospital, Gainesville, Florida, and a fellowship in cardiology at the University of Florida.

Most of Holsinger’s career was with the Veterans Health Administration, where he spent 26 years in various positions, including serving as chief of staff or director of several VA medical centers.  He also served as undersecretary of health for the Department of Veterans Affairs in Washington, D.C.  He served more than three decades in the United States Army Reserve, retiring in 1993 as a Major General.

Holsinger’s wife, Barbara Craig Holsinger, is also a graduate of the Moore School at the University of South Carolina, where she earned a master of science degree in business administration in 1983. 

Jan Collins
May 2007