| Alarming trends in population health, in addition to events during the last decade, have highlighted significant inadequacies in the governmental public health infrastructure and its ability to respond to challenges that threaten the health status of Americans. In strengthening the U.S. public health system, experts have advocated the need for effective leadership among public health officials. The Office of the Surgeon General has a marked influence on public health policies that advance population health. It is not known what practices among U.S. Surgeons General may characterize effective leadership in public health. Surgeons General Terry, Koop, and Satcher are noted for their exemplary role in improving the health status of Americans. The purpose of this qualitative historical case study was to identify the leadership practices used by Terry, Koop, and Satcher during their tenures as Surgeons General. Using content analysis, the current study elucidated leadership practices deemed effective in optimizing public health performance, thus addressing existing gaps in knowledge. The researcher concluded that Surgeons General Terry, Koop, and Satcher engaged in patterns of behaviors consistent with Kouzes and Posner's effective leadership practices---albeit to varying degrees. Though not espoused by Kouzes and Posner, high visibility also emerged as a universal behavior. This research may inform the development of public health leadership training programs. Study findings also suggest the importance of maximizing opportunities for public health leaders to engage key stakeholders. |
