Former US surgeon general Richard H. Carmona says the White House censored him on such issues as stem cell research, emergency contraception and sex education, which oppose President Bush’s political views.

Richard H. Carmona was appointed by President George W. Bush in 2002 and held the post of surgeon general until 2006. Carmona recently spoke about holding the country’s top medical job and being censored by the White House staff.

“Anything that doesn't fit into the political appointees' ideological, theological or political agenda is often ignored, marginalized or simply buried,” Carmona said Tuesday at a hearing of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform in Washington. “The job of surgeon general is to be the doctor of the nation, not the doctor of a political party.”

He said his speeches were often rewritten. “Much of the discussion was being driven by theology, ideology, [and] preconceived beliefs that were scientifically incorrect,” Carmona said.

As to his work on embryonic stem-cell research, Carmona said: “I was blocked at every turn. I was told the decision had already been made - 'Stand down. Don't talk about it.' That information was removed from my speeches.”

White House spokesman Tony Fratto responded to Carmona’s allegations by saying he had received “the support necessary” and suggesting the failure was on his part. “Dr. Carmona was given the authority and had the obligation to be the leading voice for the health of all Americans.”

“It's disappointing to us if he failed to use his position to the fullest extent in advocating for policies he thought were in the best interests of the nation. We believe Dr. Carmona received the support necessary to carry out his mission,” Fratto said.

President Bush’s new nominee for surgeon general is Dr. James Holsinger, who has been criticized by Democrats for his views on homosexuality. The Senate health committee will meet Thursday to consider his appointment.