Vivek Murthy has been dismissed as US surgeon general, the Associated Press reports.
Murthy was appointed to the position by President Barack Obama and was asked to stay on by the Trump administration, but Murthy was asked to resign last week after "assisting in a smooth transition," according to a Department of Health and Human Service spokesperson. A White House statement adds that HHS Secretary Tom Price "thanks him for his dedicated service to the nation," according to Vox.
The New York Times indicates, though, that Murthy refused to step down and was fired. Vox adds that it took a year for Murthy to be confirmed as he supports gun-control measures and the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare.
In a Facebook post, Murthy says he is "exceedingly proud of what our team and our officers have done to bring help and hope to people all across America."
"While I had hoped to do more to help our nation tackle its biggest health challenges, I will be forever grateful for the opportunity to have served," he adds.
Rear Admiral Sylvia Trent-Adams, a former nurse officer in the US Army who has a PhD from the University of Maryland and who was Murthy's deputy, is now serving as acting surgeon general, the AP adds.