ANA Statement on the U.S Army Surgeon General
The American Nurses Association (ANA) commends the U.S. Army's decision to appoint Major General Gale Pollock, a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA), as the Army's interim surgeon general. Major General Pollock is the first female nurse to serve as the Army's top medical officer; she retains her titles, including deputy surgeon general and Chief, Army Nurse Corps.
"Gale Pollock's strong leadership and adherence to the nursing profession's high standards of care will no doubt serve as a catalyst for change and a proud example of what it means to be a soldier, a nurse and a woman," said Rebecca M. Patton, MSN, RN, CNOR, and President of the American Nurses Association.
"This transition marks an important milestone for the nation's registered nurses and for women. Not only is Major General's Pollock's appointment a much welcomed breaking of a glass ceiling, but it is a recognition that all of the Corps have the leadership abilities to accomplish a mission of the military health care system at the highest level and better meet the needs of society," said Linda J. Stierle, MSN, RN, CNAA,BC, CEO of the American Nurses Association, and a retired U.S. Air Force general officer.
Major General Pollock earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Maryland, a MBA from Boston University, and a Masters in Healthcare Administration from Baylor University. Some of her past military assignments include Special Assistant to the Surgeon General for Management and Health Policy; Commander, Martin Army Community Hospital, Fort Benning, GA; Senior Policy Analyst in Health Affairs, Department of Defense; and Chief, Anesthesia Nursing Service at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, D.C.
She has been awarded the Legion of Merit (with two Oak Leaf clusters), the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal (with three Oak Leaf Clusters), the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, and the Army Achievement Medal.
Acting Army Secretary Pete Geren has directed an immediate convening of the required advisory board to recommend candidates for consideration as the next surgeon general. The board will convene in April. The position as the Army's surgeon general must be nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate.
# # #
The ANA is the only full-service professional organization representing the interests of the nation's 2.9 million registered nurses (RNs) through its 54 constituent member nurses associations. The ANA advances the nursing profession by fostering high standards of nursing practice, promoting the rights of nurses in the workplace, projecting a positive and realistic view of nursing, and by lobbying the Congress and regulatory agencies on health care issues affecting nurses and the public.
# # #