History of Jerome Adams in Timeline

Jerome Adams is an American anesthesiologist and former Vice Admiral who served as the 20th Surgeon General of the United States from 2017 to 2021. Before his national role, he was the Indiana State Health Commissioner from 2014 to 2017. His career reflects a blend of medical expertise and public health leadership at both state and federal levels.

Sections (1)

Full Timeline

September 22, 1974: Jerome Adams Born

On September 22, 1974, Jerome Michael Adams was born. He later became an anesthesiologist and the 20th Surgeon General of the United States.

Others born on this day/year

1992: Graduation from Chopticon High School

In 1992, Jerome Adams graduated from Chopticon High School in the top 5% of his class.

2000: Master of Public Health

In 2000, Jerome Adams received a Master of Public Health degree from the University of California, Berkeley, focusing on chronic disease prevention.

2002: Internal Medicine Internship

In 2002, Jerome Adams began his internship in internal medicine at St. Vincent Indianapolis Hospital.

2003: Residency in Anesthesiology

In 2003, Jerome Adams started his residency in anesthesiology at Indiana University.

2006: Board Certification in Anesthesiology

In 2006, Jerome Adams completed his residency and became board certified in anesthesiology.

October 2014: Appointment as Indiana State Health Commissioner

In October 2014, Jerome Adams was appointed as the Indiana State Health Commissioner by Governor Mike Pence.

2014: Appointed Indiana State Health Commissioner

In 2014, Jerome Adams was appointed as the Indiana State Health Commissioner, a position he held until 2017.

2015: HIV Epidemic Response

During an HIV epidemic in 2015, Adams initially opposed needle-exchange programs, but later changed his position as cases increased.

June 29, 2017: Nomination for Surgeon General

On June 29, 2017, President Donald Trump nominated Jerome Adams to become the Surgeon General of the United States.

August 3, 2017: Confirmation as Surgeon General

On August 3, 2017, the United States Senate confirmed Jerome Adams as the Surgeon General of the United States.

September 5, 2017: Sworn in as Surgeon General

On September 5, 2017, Jerome Adams began his service as the 20th Surgeon General of the United States.

2017: Re-appointed as Indiana State Health Commissioner

In 2017, Jerome Adams was re-appointed as the Indiana State Health Commissioner by newly elected governor Eric Holcomb.

2017: Flu Epidemic

In 2017, The flu epidemic resulted in approximately 80,000 deaths

April 2018: Urged Carrying Opioid Antidote

In April 2018, Adams urged Americans at risk of opioid overdose, along with their families and friends, to carry an over-the-counter antidote to combat rising fatalities.

May 2018: Responded to In-Flight Medical Emergency

In May 2018, Jerome Adams responded to an in-flight medical emergency on a flight to Jackson, Mississippi.

September 2018: Campaign to Promote Flu Vaccinations

In September 2018, Adams initiated a campaign alongside public health officials to promote seasonal flu vaccinations following the severe 2017 flu epidemic.

February 2020: Appointment to COVID-19 Task Force

In February 2020, Jerome Adams was appointed to the task force for dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. He initially downplayed the risk and advised against the general public using face masks, advice he later retracted.

April 2020: Sidelined by the Administration

In April 2020, it was reported that Jerome Adams had been largely sidelined by the administration during the COVID-19 pandemic response.

January 20, 2021: End of term as Surgeon General

On January 20, 2021, Jerome Adams' service as the 20th Surgeon General of the United States came to an end.

October 2021: Joined Purdue University

In October 2021, following his service as surgeon general, Jerome Adams joined Purdue University as a Presidential Fellow and its first executive director of health equity initiatives.