Seems like John Conyers and I agree on still more topical issues and policy (he is a hero of mine) Conyers is joining other critics like Paul Krugman of the NY Times in suggesting that Sanjay is not qualified for the post of surgeon general.

In a letter to fellow congress members, Conyers asks them to join him in his request to President Elect Obama to make a different choice for Surgeon General. This passage says it all.

Also, there are highly experienced medical professionals who question whether Dr. Gupta has the necessary experience or even the medical background to be in charge of some 6,000 physicians or more who work in the United States Public Health Service. Gerard M. Farrel, Executive Director of the Commissioned Officers Association, stated in the January 7, 2008 Washington Post that Dr. Gupta will certainly face a "credibility gap" because he never served in the National Health Service Corp, and furthermore, does not have the "experience or qualifications to be the leader of the nation's public health service." Clearly, it is not in the best interests of the nation to have someone like this who lacks the requisite experience needed to oversee the federal agency that provides crucial health care assistance to some of the poorest and most under served communities in America.

I am convinced that though the SG post has been ornamental at best under BUSH, with the coming health care debate looming large- we need a credible, talented and qualified individual in this post. I agree with Representative Conyers in saying that Sanjay is none of the above.