Robert A. Whitney facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Robert A. Whitney
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| Surgeon General of the United States Acting |
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| In office July 1, 1993 – September 8, 1993 |
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| President | Bill Clinton |
| Preceded by | Antonia Novello |
| Succeeded by | Joycelyn Elders |
| Personal details | |
| Born | July 27, 1935 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA |
Robert Arthur Whitney, Jr. (born July 27, 1935) is an American veterinarian and a leader in public health. He worked as the acting Surgeon General of the United States for a short time in 1993. This important role helps guide the health of the entire country.
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Early Life and Education
Robert Whitney was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He loved animals and decided to study veterinary medicine. In 1959, he earned his degree to become a veterinarian from Oklahoma State University.
Later, he continued his studies at Ohio State University. In 1965, he received a master's degree in pharmacology. This field is all about how medicines work and how they affect living things.
A Career in Public Health
Robert Whitney spent most of his career working for the United States Public Health Service (USPHS). This is a group of health professionals who work to protect and improve the health of all Americans.
Working at the National Institutes of Health
From 1971 onwards, Whitney held many important jobs at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The NIH is a big part of the USPHS that does a lot of research to understand diseases and find new ways to treat them.
From 1989 to 1992, he was the director of the NIH's National Center for Research Resources. This center helps provide important tools and resources for health research across the country.
Serving as Deputy Surgeon General
On September 1, 1992, Robert Whitney was chosen to be the Deputy Surgeon General. This meant he was the second-in-command to the Surgeon General, helping to lead national health efforts.
In 1993, he stepped into the role of acting Surgeon General. He served in this top health position from July to September of that year.
Military Service and Retirement
Before joining the Public Health Service, Whitney also served in the U.S. Army. He directed a training program for laboratory animal medicine. In 1970, he spent a year in South Vietnam, leading a team of veterinary medical experts.
Robert Whitney retired from the USPHS in 1994. After retiring, he helped start a non-profit group called "Earthspan." This organization uses advanced technology to protect different kinds of plants and animals, their homes, and the health of our environment. He was the president of Earthspan until he retired from that role in 2008.
Awards and Recognition
Robert Whitney is a respected expert in laboratory animal medicine. He was also the chief veterinary officer for the Public Health Service from 1985 to 1989.
He has received several important awards for his service. These include the U.S. Public Health Service Distinguished Service Medal and the Legion of Merit for his time in the U.S. Army. These awards show how much he contributed to both public health and the military.
