Sanjay Gupta: Withdraws from Obama's surgeon general search

CNN medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta would not be the next surgeon general. The Obama administration has brought out the confirmation of the news on Thursday.

Sources have thrown more light on the news of Sainjay Gupta. According to them this thrity nine year old neurosurgeon with star appeal, was seen as President Barack Obama's first pick for the job. He would have brought instant recognition to the surgeon general’s office. It is a post that has lacked visibility since the days of C. Everett Koop during the presidency of Ronald Reagan.

An administration official added that Gupta was under "serious consideration". However he took himself out of the running since he had the desire of focusing on his medical career and spent more time with his family members.

"We know he will continue to serve and educate the public through his work with media and in the medical arena," added the official, speaking on condition of anonymity considering the sensitivity of nominations.

The official added that there were hardly any problems that would have disqualified Gupta and it was completely his own decision to withdraw.

Gupta said that on Thursday evening he has taken the important decision of withdrawing from the competition primarily out of consideration for his 2 young daughters and a third child on the way.

"My wife is imminent with our third child. You know, this job ... takes us away from our children for so many years at once, and I sort of came to grips with the fact that I'd probably be away at least the first several years. ... And I just didn't feel like I should do that now," added Gupta while talking to CNN's Larry King.

While the surgeon general's job does not involve much policymaking responsibility, it is a bully pulpit for the promotion of public health. Gupta could have helped Obama pitch his health care reform plan.

According to initial reports in early January Obama approached Mr. Gupta about the job and it has created a stir. The new president had not yet taken office. The chairman of the board of the American Medical Association added that at that time it would be an advantageous to the government if Gupta accepted.

However Sanjay Gupta would have had to give up a worthwhile career. He hosts "House Call" on CNN, writes reports to CBS News and writes a column for Time magazine. He also practices neurosurgery at Atlanta's Grady Memorial Hospital, which sees more than its share of traumatic cases.