RFK Jr. taps Stephanie Haridopolos as interim surgeon general

WASHINGTON — Health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has elevated a senior health official to serve as an interim surgeon general until that position is filled by a Senate-confirmed nominee. 

Stephanie Haridopolos, a family medicine physician who is currently a senior adviser and chief of staff for the Office of the U.S. Surgeon General, is now the office’s director of health communications, Kennedy told staff in an email sent late Tuesday. According to that email, Assistant Secretary for Health Brian Christine used his “delegation of authority powers” to allow Haridopolos to carry out the duties of surgeon general. 

She will “promote [U.S. Surgeon General] public health actions, advisories, and guidance until our next Surgeon General is sworn into office,” Kennedy said.