First and foremost, it's about INTEGRITY, COMMITMENT, and HONOR ... three qualities lacking in this country today. He backed out on a contract to serve people in need. The search had been in the works for a year or more, and it was a couple more years before they found a replacement.
Additionally, it's about choosing someone who is QUALIFIED FOR THE JOB.
I have no doubt that Sanjay Gupta is an excellent neurosurgeon. He trained at The University of Michigan which is highly ranked in both unbiased surveys as well as my own personal/professional opinions based on my time there. Top-notch place and top-notch training without a doubt.
But he is not going to be doing neurosurgery. The duties of the Surgeon General are to oversee and advise the U.S. Public Health Service in determining health policies for the country.
http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/about/index.html
An individual with a M.D. and M.P.H (Masters in Public Health) already working with either the National Institute of Health or Center for Disease Control would be far more qualified to fill this position, several of which I could recommend from my personal knowledge of their education, training and experience.
This is just an appointment of a "hollywood" face with absolutely no substance.
