WILMINGTON — Gov. Matt Meyer on July 13 signed an executive order establishing Delaware’s first Office of the Surgeon General and introduced Dr. Neil Hockstein as the state’s inaugural surgeon general. The announcement at the Carvel State Office Building marks a new layer of public-health leadership intended to coordinate statewide efforts and provide a clear, evidence-based voice on health issues.
Why the office now?
Meyer framed the move as part of an effort to strengthen public-health coordination in Delaware and to counteract what he described as the harmful effects of health misinformation. He said federal agencies are under pressure and may not be filling the traditional role of providing clear, research-driven guidance.
“It's important there be a voice out there saying, ‘Hey, here's what you should do to protect yourself and your family.'”
The governor also noted that the idea had roots in conversations during the campaign, and that he regarded the establishment of a state-level surgeon general as an initiative worth acting on when the right candidate was available.
Who is Dr. Hockstein?
Dr. Hockstein is a board-certified otolaryngologist and head and neck surgeon who has practiced at ENT & Allergy of Delaware. He has also served as chair of the Delaware Health Care Commission. At the announcement, Hockstein described the appointment as an unexpected opportunity that was shaped in part by experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, which renewed his interest in serving broader populations beyond individual clinical practice.
- Role: Lead the new Office of the Surgeon General and provide a statewide public-health voice.
- Background: Practicing otolaryngologist (ENT) and former chair of the Delaware Health Care Commission.
- Timing: Executive order signed July 13; Hockstein named the inaugural surgeon general the same day.
What this means for Delawareans
By creating the office, Delaware joins a small group of states that have established a state-level surgeon general. The position is meant to centralize public-health communication, provide guidance grounded in medical research, and serve as a resource during health emergencies or when public-health information is contested. Meyer emphasized the need for a trusted, evidence-based messenger at the state level.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Office created | July 13, 2026 |
| Inaugural surgeon general | Dr. Neil Hockstein |
At the event, Meyer praised Hockstein’s willingness to leave private practice leadership and take on a public role, calling it an example of service. Hockstein said the pandemic helped reorient his view of how he could contribute to public health at a population level.
Practical implications for residents will depend on how the new office defines its priorities and interacts with existing state agencies, local health departments and health-care providers. In the near term, the office is likely to focus on public messaging and coordination rather than direct clinical services. State officials say the creation of the office is intended to strengthen preparedness and provide clearer guidance on health threats.
The establishment of a state surgeon general adds a new voice to Delaware’s public-health landscape at a time when many communities look for reliable information on vaccines, infectious disease, environmental exposures and other health risks. How the office translates authority into action—and how it complements federal and local efforts—will be an issue residents and lawmakers will watch in the months ahead.
