The Collapse of Trust in Public Health | U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Richard Carmona

Today's guest is Dr. Richard Carmona, the 17th Surgeon General of the United States, a trauma surgeon, public health leader, former hospital executive, and decorated Army Special Forces medic.In this episode, we explore how Dr. Carmona’s early life, military service, and medical career shaped his understanding of healthcare as far more than what happens inside a hospital. He discusses building Arizona’s regional trauma system, turning around a public hospital, and why prevention, health literacy, and trust are central to improving outcomes. We also dive into the politicization of public health, from tobacco and vaccines to the growing confusion around scientific institutions today. Dr. Carmona explains why the Surgeon General’s role should be nonpartisan, grounded in science, and focused on helping the public make better health decisions. At its core, this conversation is about what happens when science, politics, and trust collide, and what it will take to rebuild confidence in American healthcare.