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Dr. Vivek Murthy, who has held the position of Surgeon General of the United States twice, is the 19th and 21st individual to serve in that role. He is the sole member of the Indian diaspora to have occupied this position on two occasions. During an interview with Mandayam Osuri Thirunarayanan for India Currents, he discussed how artificial intelligence, health policy, and feelings of isolation will influence the future of healthcare.
This conversation has been edited to enhance clarity and brevity.
MT: As the “Nation’s Doctor,” what did a typical day in your role as Surgeon General entail?
Dr. Vivek MurthyEach day was unique. Some days, I found myself in Washington, DC, meeting with colleagues and partners within the Department of Health and Human Services at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), collaborating with other departments that relate to health, such as the Department of Education, the Department of Defense, or the White House.
On other days, there might be meetings with lawmakers on Capitol Hill concerning important public health topics and policy initiatives. I also dedicated time to collaborating with our team internally to develop advisories and reports, as well as to create campaigns that would support public health efforts.
MT: In what way does the office of the Surgeon General influence health policy and laws?
Dr. Murthy stated, “The Surgeon General’s Office does not create laws or provide financial support. Instead, it collaborates directly with communities on public health education and works with legislators to influence policy. As a result, the public health priorities outlined by the office and the initiatives it promotes often contribute to shaping public awareness and public policy. The reports and recommendations produced by the Office of the Surgeon General are utilized by decision-makers at local, state, and national levels to develop regulations and laws related to public health matters.”
MT: In what way did your journeys across the nation influence your creative process?
My team and I frequently traveled and engaged with communities throughout the United States, as well as in Japan, India, and the United Kingdom. Throughout these visits, we participated in discussions at town halls, churches, and synagogues. We also visited educational institutions and spoke with students about the challenges we were addressing, while gaining insight into the concerns they had. These interactions led to the creation of advisories and public health initiatives that we believed showcased the highest standards of science and practice. Some examples include:
- The Impact of Social Media on Young People’s Mental Well-being
- The Spread of Loneliness and Separation: The U.S. Surgeon General’s Report on the Benefits of Social Bonds and Neighborhood Ties
- Parents Struggling Under Stress: The U.S. Surgeon General’s Warning Regarding the Mental Health and Happiness of Parents.”
MT: In what ways might artificial intelligence and robotics transform the healthcare scene in the United States?
Dr. Murthy stated, “Artificial intelligence is already transforming healthcare as well as scientific research and exploration. We are already witnessing advantages within the healthcare system, with numerous more benefits on the horizon. I am enthusiastic about this progress, but I also believe we must remain cautious and recognize some of the potential negative risks associated with artificial intelligence, and we need to address those risks effectively.”
Artificial intelligence and robots might harm interpersonal communication.Medical professionals, such as doctors and nurses, have the ability to demonstrate compassion and genuinely care for their patients, a quality that artificial intelligence and machines are incapable of replicating.
Artificial intelligence and robots driven by algorithms can never take the place of human beings. They may enhance our lives, but they cannot completely replace our friends, family, and the individuals who show care and concern. A key aspect that defines us as human is “our imperfections.”
If you experience a disagreement with a friend or partner, and their speech and responses are being shaped by an algorithm, it would seem inauthentic and not genuine. It wouldn’t reflect true humanity. It’s our unique traits, including our flaws, that define who we are.
Artificial intelligence is sure to enhance many aspects of life, but I believe it’s our responsibility to establish limits on its application and examine where it is beneficial and where it may be causing harm. The essence of our humanity is something that AI cannot completely replicate. We should not attempt to replace it.
MT: Can artificial intelligence assist individuals in fighting against loneliness?
Dr. Murthy stated, “Artificial intelligence might act as a social guide occasionally or encourage us to connect with our loved ones, but it is not and should not be a replacement for real people or personal interactions.”
MT: What are some of your key achievements during your time as the Surgeon General?
Dr. Murthy:Well, one of the things I am proud of is that we broadened the perspective through which people perceive health. For many years, health was seen mainly as physical well-being. We extended this concept to encompass mental, social, and spiritual aspects of health.
Mental health: We invested significant effort in assisting individuals in recognizing that mental health holds equal importance to physical health and, moreover, influences our physical well-being.
Social health: Social well-being refers to the existence of positive social connections in your life. It significantly influences both your mental and physical health, which is why ourpioneering Advisory from the Surgeon General on loneliness and isolationwas extremely significant and had a profound impact on individuals.
The fourth aspect of well-being: spiritualityI would have preferred to emphasize the spiritual aspect of health further, to clarify why it is a crucial element of our overall well-being, whether it stems from our beliefs, our family, the work we engage in, or the impact we have on others.
I would also have preferred to concentrate on the effects of highly processed foods on our well-being, the research regarding psilocybin, and the psychological consequences of sports betting.
MT: What were some of the difficulties you encountered during your time as Surgeon General, and how did you address them?
Dr. Murthy stated, “Deciding what to focus on is one of the most challenging aspects of the role. Given the constraints of time and resources, we decided to concentrate our efforts on health concerns that were overlooked and lacked public attention.”
Another difficulty in a role such as this involves managing the various stakeholders who have an interest in our projects. These include:
- agencies under the Department of Health and Human Services and additional federal departments;
- members of Congress;
- officials at the local and national levels;
- community groups;
- faith organizations;
- schools and universities;
- hospitals; and
- businesses.
MT: What medical recommendations do you have for people of Indian origin living abroad?
Dr. Murthy stated, “I have always been convinced that prevention is the most effective form of treatment. The five key elements for avoiding illnesses are (1) Sleep; (2) Social Interaction; (3) Managing Stress; (4) Diet; and (5) Exercise.”
Sleep: Everyone should aim for seven to nine hours of high-quality sleep, without being disturbed by phone usage.
Social connection:Having a handful of close friendships where we can openly share with one another and be involved in each other’s lives is essential to leading a socially connected life. Although many of us have friends, we aren’t truly experiencing friendship if we aren’t regularly seeing and communicating with them. We should make our friendships and family relationships more important in our daily lives.
Stress reduction: Everyone requires methods to alleviate stress in their daily lives. Meditation can serve as a strong technique to focus the mind. It enables us to silence the surrounding distractions and take a step back in a rapidly accelerating world.
Nutrition: Some important steps we can take include reducing the consumption of highly processed foods and steering clear of items that are high in salt and sugar.
Physical activity: Walking combined with resistance training can help develop both stamina and muscle power.
These five fundamental principles can significantly lower our chances of developing heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and various other health conditions. They can also enhance our overall sense of well-being.
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