Choice of Journalist Could Bring More Attention to Surgeon General Post

CNN revealed that Gupta had been tapped for the post of surgeon general. Gupta, who currently is chief medical correspondent for the health and medical unit at CNN, is perhaps most well known for his appearances on CNN news shows -- including "American Morning," his own weekend program, "House Call with Dr. Sanjay Gupta" and various documentaries.

Despite this busy schedule, Gupta managed to continue as a practicing neurosurgeon and associate chief of neurosurgery at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta. He is also an assistant professor of neurosurgery at the Emory University School of Medicine.

The wave of media speculation following the news that Gupta was under consideration overwhelmingly suggested that he would accept the post, a move that could bring additional attention to the position in the years to come.