Dr. Joycelyn Elders (born 13 August 1933) was the United States Surgeon General from 1993 to 1994.
She served in the United States Army from 1953 to 1956, serving as a physical therapist for injured soldiers. In 1960 she earned her M.D at the University of Arkansas. She went on to hold a variety of positions in the University, and became a medical professor in 1976.
In 1987 Governor Bill Clinton appointed Elders Director of the Arkansas Department of Health. In 1993 after Clinton was elected president, he appointed her as United States Surgeon General, making her the first African American, and the second woman, to hold the position.
As Surgeon General Elders quickly established a reputation for controversy. Like many of the Surgeon Generals before her, she was an outspoken advocate of a variety of health-related causes, some of which were quite unconventional. She argued for greater drug legalization, and she was a strong backer of President Clinton's plan for national healthcare. These actions earned her a reputation as a avid liberal.
In 1994, she was invited to speak at a United Nations conference on AIDS. She was asked her whether it would be appropriate to promote masturbation as a means of preventing young people from engaging in riskier forms of sexual activity.
"In regard to masturbation," Elders replied, "I think that is part of human sexuality, and perhaps it should be taught."
This remark caused great controversy and prompted President Clinton to ask for her resignation.
Since leaving her post as Surgeon General, she has taught medicine in her native Arkansas. She is also a regular on the lecture circuit, speaking on issues related to AIDS and teen pregnancy.
