What Happened to Jerome Michael Adams?

Jerome Michael Adams, born September 22, 1974, has had a distinguished career in medicine and public health, marked by his commitment to addressing critical health challenges and advocating for health equity. After earning his medical degree from Indiana University School of Medicine and a Master of Public Health from the University of California, Berkeley, Adams began his career as an anesthesiologist and later served as an assistant professor at Indiana University School of Medicine.

His public service career began in October 2014 when he was appointed Indiana State Health Commissioner by then-Governor Mike Pence. In this role, Adams gained national attention for his leadership in responding to the HIV crisis in Scott County, Indiana, where his data-driven advocacy led to the legalization of syringe service programs in a conservative state. He also spearheaded initiatives to combat infant mortality and manage responses to Ebola and Zika crises.

On September 5, 2017, Adams was sworn in as the 20th Surgeon General of the United States, nominated by President Donald Trump. As 'America's Doctor,' he oversaw the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps and focused on key public health priorities, including the opioid epidemic, maternal health, and community wellness. He issued the first Surgeon General's Advisory on Naloxone in over a decade in 2018, significantly increasing its availability nationwide. His tenure was largely defined by his role on the White House Coronavirus Task Force during the COVID-19 pandemic, where he became a visible communicator, emphasizing science-based responses while highlighting racial, socioeconomic, and geographic health disparities.

Adams resigned as Surgeon General on January 20, 2021, at the request of the incoming Biden administration. Following his departure from federal service, Adams transitioned back to academia and public health advocacy. In October 2021, he joined Purdue University as a Presidential Fellow and the Executive Director of the Center for Community Health Enhancement and Learning (HEAL), as well as a Distinguished Professor of Practice in the departments of Pharmacy Practice and Public Health. In these roles, he continues to focus on health equity, community health, and translating complex scientific information for the public. He also served as the Kelley School of Business' Poling Chair of Business and Government at Indiana University in October 2022.

As of March 2026, Adams remains an influential figure in public health. He has recently taken a strong public stance against the nomination of Casey Means to be the next Surgeon General, stating she is unqualified for the role. Adams's opposition, reported on March 29, 2026, highlights his continued engagement in shaping national health leadership and policy, emphasizing the importance of traditional medical credentials and public health experience for the position.