John Armstrong Named Surgeon General, Secretary of Health

Dr. John H. Armstrong, M.D., has been named by Gov. Rick Scott to be Floridas surgeon general and secretary of the Florida Department of Health.

Dr. Armstrong is recognized as a national expert in medical team training and public health preparedness for disasters, and his leadership will be a great asset to the citizens of Florida, Scott stated in a release. As an outstanding trauma surgeon, public health professional, educator and military veteran, he will be a great addition to my executive leadership team.

Armstrong is the chief medical officer of the University of South Florida Health Center for Advanced Medical Learning and Simulation and associate professor of surgery with the Morsani College of Medicine at USF.

I am honored by the opportunity to serve as Floridas state surgeon general and look forward to advancing the departments mission to make Florida the place to live, work and play by ensuring the health and well-being of Floridians, Armstrong stated in the release.

Armstrongs resume includes 17 years with the U.S. Army Medical Corps, where he reached the rank of colonel.

Armstrong, who will take office May 23, replaces Frank Farmer who announced his resignation last month in order to be with his wife.

Farmers wife has been diagnosed with breast cancer.