The Ohio State University College of Nursing is pleased to announce the recent appointment of Richard H. Carmona, MD, MPH, FACS, 17th United States Surgeon General, as the College of Nursing dean’s distinguished professor of health promotion and entrepreneurship.
Carmona will share his expertise in public health, health literacy and health innovation with students of The Ohio State University, faculty and community by providing keynote presentations and guest lectures, participating in community outreach projects and communicating key Ohio State College of Nursing strategies nationally.
“This is a real triumph for the college and university, as Dr. Carmona is a stellar healthcare professional and leader. Dr. Carmona was a registered nurse before becoming a physician and trauma surgeon, and he is recognized for his advocacy of wellness and prevention,” said Bernadette Mazurek Melnyk, PhD, RN, CPNP/PMHNP, FNAP, FAAN, chief wellness officer, associate vice president for health promotion and dean of The Ohio State University College of Nursing. “Dr. Carmona has served as a healthcare system CEO and is a strong supporter of community service. He has served on community and national boards and provided leadership to many diverse organizations.”
Carmona’s responsibilities with the College of Nursing include helping students learn to think innovatively and entrepreneurially about the delivery of healthcare.
“The healthcare environment is challenging and ever-changing,” said Carmona. “The reality is that the challenges we face all have multidisciplinary solutions. Nursing graduates can lead innovation by collaborating across disciplines to improve healthcare quality and control costs. I am pleased to join Dr. Bernadette Melnyk as she helps transform health, healthcare and lives through outstanding collaborations across The Ohio State University and beyond.”
In 2002, Carmona was nominated by the president and unanimously confirmed by the United States Senate to become the 17th Surgeon General of the United States. Carmona was selected because of his extensive experience in public health, clinical sciences, healthcare management, preparedness and commitment to prevention as an effective means to improve public health and reduce healthcare costs while improving the quality of life. As U.S. Surgeon General, Carmona focused on prevention, preparedness, health disparities, health literacy and global health to include health diplomacy. He also issued many landmark Surgeon General communications during his tenure, including the definitive Surgeon General’s Report about the dangers of secondhand smoke. Carmona has been published extensively and received numerous awards, decorations and local and national recognitions for his achievements.
In 2006, Carmona successfully completed the statutory four-year term of the U.S. Surgeon General and was named vice chairman for Canyon Ranch, which has been the country’s leading health and wellness company for over 30 years. He oversees health strategy and policy for all Canyon Ranch businesses. He is also president of the board of directors for the non-profit Canyon Ranch Institute, which catalyzes the possibility of optimal health for all people by translating the best practices of Canyon Ranch and community partners to help educate, inspire and empower every person to prevent disease and embrace a life of wellness. Carmona is also the first distinguished professor of public health at the University of Arizona’s Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health.
