Vivek Murthy confirmed as U.S. surgeon general

WASHINGTON, Dec. 15 (UPI) -- The U.S. Senate on Monday confirmed Dr. Vivek Hallegere Murthy as President Obama's pick for surgeon general, the youngest person to ever be named to the post.

The 37-year-old doctor was approved by a vote of 51 to 43 to be the 19th U.S. Surgeon General, making history not only due to his age, but as the first Indian in the position.

Senate Republicans and the National Rifle Association voiced their opposition to Obama's pick in March over Murthy's assertions that gun violence constitutes a health problem and his support for the Affordable Care Act.

Had the Senate not voted on confirming Murthy on Monday, his nomination likely would have died after the new year when Republicans take over the chamber.

Murthy takes over the position last held by Regina Benjamin. Since her departure in July 2013, Boris D. Lushniak was acting surgeon general.