Michael J Blackwell, DVM, MPH
Assistant Surgeon General, USPHS (Ret.)
Dr. Michael J. Blackwell serves as Director of the Center for Pet Family Well-Being at the University of Tennessee, where he leads national efforts to improve access to veterinary care—especially for families with limited means. His work is grounded in a vision of health equity that recognizes pets as essential members of the family.
A retired Assistant Surgeon General and Rear Admiral in the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS), Dr. Blackwell served for 23 years in active duty, holding key national leadership roles, including:
- Chief of Staff, Office of the U.S. Surgeon General
- Deputy Director, Center for Veterinary Medicine, Food and Drug Administration
- Chief Veterinary Officer, USPHS
He also served as Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Tennessee, advancing One Health initiatives and interprofessional collaboration.
Dr. Blackwell has received numerous honors, including the USPHS Distinguished Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, and two Surgeon General’s Exemplary Service Medals. He is the 2020 Avanzino Leadership Award recipient, the 2021 Senator John Melcher, DVM Leadership in Public Policy Award honoree, and the 2025 recipient of the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Frederick D. Patterson Lifetime Achievement Award.