As Surgeon General of the Louisiana Department of Health, Dr. Ralph Abraham is co-equal with the Secretary within the Department’s organizational chart and is charged with crafting health policy, including healthcare workforce development; advocating for wellness and disease prevention; and coordinating with other state agencies and institutions to improve health outcomes in Louisiana. 

The Surgeon General is appointed by the Governor and must be a licensed and practicing physician in Louisiana. The Surgeon General absorbs the duties of the pervious State Health Officer role.