Health Affairs Leaders

Leading the Military Health System is the Office of the Assistant Secretary of War for Health Affairs. The Assistant Secretary of War for Health Affairs (ASW[HA]) is a civilian, Senate-confirmed official who serves as the chief medical adviser to the Secretary of War and oversees health policy and budgeting across the system, as well as directing the activities of the Defense Health Agency. The ASW(HA) is supported by the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of War for Health Affairs and three Deputy Assistant Secretaries of War.

Stephen Ferrara, M.D.

Acting Assistant Secretary of War for Health Affairs

Dr. David J. Smith 

Acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of War
Acting Director, Defense Health Agency

Ms. Susan Orsega

Deputy Assistant Secretary of War, Health Services Policy and Oversight

Ms. Tracie Lattimore

Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of War for Health Readiness Policy and Oversight

Mr. Darrell Landreaux 

Deputy Assistant Secretary of War for Health Resources Management and Policy

Dr. Jonathan Woodson

President, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences

Service Surgeons General

The Service Surgeons General are the senior medical leaders of each military service branch: the U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force, and U.S. Navy.

Lt. Gen. Mary K. Izaguirre

Surgeon General of the Army

Lt. Gen. (Dr.) John J. Degoes

Surgeon General of the Air Force and Space Force

Rear Adm. Darin K. Via

Surgeon General of the Navy

Brig. Gen. Clinton K. Murray

Joint Staff Surgeon

Maj. Gen. Jill K. Faris

Director, Office of the Joint Surgeon General, U.S. National Guard Bureau