In 2008, RADM Galson established and assumed the role of Chair of the Department of Health and Human Services Childhood Overweight and Obesity Council to coordinate and leverage the impact of departmental programs.

He published two Surgeon General's Calls to Action: on Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism, to bring renewed attention and prevention efforts to a health problem that kills more than 100,000 Americans every year; and on how to Promote Healthy Homes, to bring attention to the connection between housing and health and outline a blueprint for national action.

In this role, RADM Galson oversaw CDER's broad national and international programs in pharmaceutical regulation during a period of unprecedented scrutiny by Congress and outside groups.

To that end, he initiated a landmark Institute of Medicine assessment of the US drug safety system and launched a broad action plan to address work culture challenges at CDER.

He provided leadership for 2300 physicians, statisticians, chemists, pharmacologists other scientists, and administrators whose work promotes and protects public health by ensuring that safe and effective drugs are available to the American people.

RADM Galson began his Public Health Service (PHS) career as an epidemiological investigator at the Centers for Disease Control after completing a residency in internal medicine at the Hospitals of the Medical College of Pennsylvania.

During his public service career Galson was the Chief Medical Officer at both the Environmental Protection Agency and the US Department of Energy.