President-elect Barack Obama's choice for surgeon general is CNN medical correspondent and neurosurgeon Sanjay Gupta, a move that will definitely give the office a higher profile.

The fact that Dr. Gupta was approached by Obama’s transition team was confirmed yesterday by CNN. The neurosurgeon had discussed the job late last year with Obama in Chicago. The two spoke for about two hours on November 25. Dr. Gupta later spoke with Obama’s advisers including Thomas A. Daschl, the new chief of the new White House policy office and the Department of Health and Human Services.

Mr. Gupta told Obama that he wanted the job which means that he will be responsible of supervising the 6,000-member Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service.

Dr. Gupta, who is also an assistant professor of neurosurgery at Emory University School of Medicine, was chosen not only for his broadcasting skills, but also for his impressive resume. The choice emphasizes the fact that the new administration values visible advisers who can drive a public message.

Dr. Gupta, 39, will likely decide whether to accept Obama’s proposition or not in the next few days. He was also offered a high-profile job in the new White House Office of Health Reform. By accepting the twin duties, Dr. Gupta, one of People magazine’s “Sexiest Men Alive,” could become probably the most influential surgeon general in U.S. history.

However, Obama’s pick drew mixed reaction. Many argued that Dr. Gupta did not serve in the uniformed Public Health Service and this will have a negative impact on his credibility.