The 43rd Surgeon General of the United States Army, Patricia Horoho, assumed command of the United States Army Medical Command in December 2011. Serving until December 3, 2015, she became the first female Nurse Corps officer to fulfill a full term in the Surgeon General position, managing complex health delivery systems for the military population during her tenure.
Academic and Professional Preparation
Born in 1960 at Fort Bragg, Horoho attended E.E. Smith High School, graduating in 1978. She continued her education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1982. Later, she completed a Master of Science in Nursing as a Clinical Trauma Nurse Specialist at the University of Pittsburgh in 1992. She also earned a Master of Science degree in National Resource Strategy from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces.
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Horoho’s clinical leadership began in emergency medicine, notably serving as the head nurse of the emergency room at Womack Army Medical Center in 1994, where she managed care following the Green Ramp disaster. On September 11, 2002, the American Red Cross recognized her as a Nurse Hero for providing first-aid to 75 victims during the September 11 attacks. Her command history includes posts at DeWitt Army Community Hospital, the Walter Reed Health Care System, Madigan Army Medical Center, and the Western Regional Medical Command.
Decorations and Retirement
Throughout her military service, Horoho received multiple commendations including the Army Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit with two oak leaf clusters, and the Meritorious Service Medal with six oak leaf clusters. She was awarded the Army Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters and the Army Achievement Medal with one oak leaf cluster. In 2016, she was inducted into the United States Army Women's Foundation Hall of Fame. She retired from the Army on February 1, 2016.
Fast facts
- Born: 21 March 1960, Fort Bragg
- Military Rank: Lieutenant General
- Primary Role: 43rd Surgeon General of the United States Army
- Education: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, University of Pittsburgh
- Induction: 2016, United States Army Women's Foundation Hall of Fame
- Retirement Date: 1 February 2016
Questions readers ask
What was Patricia Horoho's primary clinical specialty?
She was trained and served as a Clinical Trauma Nurse Specialist.
Did Patricia Horoho serve in any specific medical facilities before becoming Surgeon General?
Yes, she commanded the DeWitt Army Community Hospital, Walter Reed Health Care System, Madigan Army Medical Center, and the Western Regional Medical Command.
Achievements
- Distinguished Service Medal
- Meritorious Service Medal
- Achievement Medal
