WASHINGTON (AP) - The Senate on Monday approved President Barack Obama's nomination of Dr. Vivek Murthy to serve as U.S. surgeon general, despite opposition from Republicans and some Democrats over his support for gun control and past statements that gun violence is a public health issue.
Murthy, 37, a physician at Boston's Brigham and Women's Hospital and instructor at Harvard Medical School, won confirmation on a vote of 51-43.
He's a co-founder of Doctors for America, a group that has pushed for affordable health care and supports Obama's health care law.
Supporters said Murthy is well-qualified and noted his promise not to use the position as a bully pulpit for gun control.
The nation has been without a Senate-confirmed surgeon general since July 2013. The surgeon general does not set policy but is an advocate for the people's health.