Bush picks new US surgeon general

WASHINGTON, May 25 (Reuters) President George W Bush announced today that he had picked Kentucky physician James Holsinger to become the top US health educator and said he would focus on reducing childhood obesity.

Holsinger's appointment as surgeon general requires Senate approval. He would replace Richard Carmona, who stepped down last year.

''Dr Holsinger will particularly focus his efforts on educating parents and children about childhood obesity, a serious epidemic that decreases quality of life and burdens our healthcare system,'' Bush said in a statement.

Holsinger, 68, headed up Kentucky's health system and is the former chancellor of the University of Kentucky's medical center. He is also a retired Army Reserve major general.

REUTERS SZ PM0513