Jerome Michael Adams is a distinguished American anesthesiologist and former vice admiral in the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, who served as the 20th Surgeon General of the United States from September 5, 2017, until January 20, 2021. His career began after completing his medical education at Indiana University School of Medicine, followed by a Master of Public Health degree from the University of California, Berkeley. Adams initially practiced anesthesiology at Ball Memorial Hospital before becoming an assistant professor at Indiana University, where he contributed to academic literature in the field of anesthesiology.

In 2014, Adams was appointed as the Indiana State Health Commissioner, where he played a pivotal role in overseeing various public health initiatives. His leadership during an HIV epidemic in 2015 showcased his ability to adapt and respond to public health crises, ultimately leading to his reappointment in 2017. His tenure was marked by significant contributions to health policy and community health improvement efforts across Indiana.

Adams was nominated by President Donald Trump to be Surgeon General in June 2017 and confirmed by the Senate in August of the same year. His term coincided with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, during which he prioritized addressing the opioid epidemic and promoting public health measures, including vaccination campaigns. His proactive stance on opioid overdoses and flu vaccinations demonstrated his commitment to improving health outcomes for Americans.

After resigning as Surgeon General, Adams joined Purdue University in October 2021 as a Presidential Fellow and the first executive director of health equity initiatives. In this role, he continues to influence public health education and policy, focusing on health equity and community health initiatives, further solidifying his legacy as a leader in public health.