Joycelyn Elders
Joycelyn Elders | |
|---|---|
Official portrait of Elders | |
| 15th Surgeon General of the United States | |
| In office September 8, 1993 – December 31, 1994 | |
| President | Bill Clinton |
| Preceded by | Robert A. Whitney (acting) |
| Succeeded by | Audrey F. Manley (acting) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Minnie Lee Jones August 13, 1933 Schaal, Arkansas, U.S. |
| Party | Democratic |
| Education | Philander Smith College (BS) University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (MD, MS) |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch/service | United States Army USPHSCC |
| Years of service | Army: 1953–1956 USPHS: 1993–1994 |
| Rank | Vice Admiral |
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Minnie Joycelyn Elders (born Minnie Lee Jones; August 13, 1933) is an American pediatrician and public health administrator who served as Surgeon General of the United States from 1993 to 1994. A vice admiral in the Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, she was the second woman, second person of color, and first African American to serve as Surgeon General.
Elders is known for her frank discussion of her views on controversial issues such as drug legalization, masturbation, and distributing contraception in schools. She was forced to resign in December 1994 amidst controversy as a result of her views. Elders is a professor emerita of pediatrics at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.