Pharmacist named Acting Deputy U.S. Surgeon General

Rear Admiral Scott F. Giberson, this year’s recipient of the American Pharmacists Association’s (APhA) Distinguished Federal Pharmacist of the Year Award, recently became Acting Deputy U.S. Surgeon General.

In his new position, Giberson, RPh, MPH, supports the surgeon general in communicating scientific information to the public on ways to improve personal health.

“Thanks to all of you (and the profession) for your support,” Giberson wrote on Facebook. “Certainly an honor and privilege to act in this position and to work for our new Acting Surgeon General [Boris Lushniak].”

On its website, APhA called Giberson’s appointment a “fantastic development” to have such a supporter of pharmacy in such a vital position.

In 2011, Surgeon General Regina Benjamin named Giberson director, Division of Commissioned Corps Personnel and Readiness (DCCPR). His duties included managing all personnel and readiness systems for more than 6,700 commissioned officers.  

His bio includes serving since 2010 as assistant surgeon general and chief professional officer of pharmacy for the United States Public Health Service. In that position, he managed more than 1,150 government pharmacists.

Giberson, recipient of the 2013 American Society of Health-System Pharmacists Award of Excellence, maintains dual licensure as a pharmacist and clinician.