David Satcher, M.D., Ph.D.

Dr. David Satcher is a physician and public health administrator renowned for his commitment to public health and health equity. As a four-star admiral in the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, he served as the 10th Assistant Secretary for Health and the 16th Surgeon General of the United States.

Sworn in on February 13, 1998, Satcher became the second person in history to concurrently hold the positions of Surgeon General and Assistant Secretary for Health. His tenure was marked by significant public health campaigns and the release of critical Surgeon General’s reports on issues including tobacco and health, mental health, and obesity. Satcher also emphasized the importance of eliminating racial and ethnic disparities in health, an initiative he championed throughout his career.

Prior to his role as Surgeon General, Satcher led the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention from 1993 to 1998 and was the president of Meharry Medical College. He is the Founding Director and Senior Advisor of the Satcher Health Leadership Institute at the Morehouse School of Medicine, established in 2006 to develop leaders focused on addressing health disparities.

In addition to his leadership roles, Satcher has been an influential voice in mental health advocacy, holding the Poussaint-Satcher-Cosby Chair in Mental Health at Morehouse School of Medicine. He has authored several books, including "My Quest for Health Equity: Notes on Learning While Leading" and "Multicultural Medicine and Health Disparities".

Satcher’s contributions to public health have been recognized with over 40 honorary degrees and numerous honors from respected organizations, including the National Medical Association and the American Medical Association. He continues to serve on the board of directors for organizations such as Johnson & Johnson, MetLife, and the CDC Foundation, and remains active in promoting healthy lifestyles through his personal commitment to running, rowing, and gardening.