Josh Green

HONOLULU, HI (May 2022) — Lt. Governor Green has been awarded an honorary doctorate degree of science in a commencement ceremony that took place in Pennsylvania on May 24th, 2022.

The honorary degree from Swarthmore College is not only a prestigious recognition of Lt. Governor Green’s achievements in his role as a public official, but also a recognition of his continued role as an emergency room physician.  Lt. Governor Green is the only lieutenant governor across the United States who is also a practicing physician.

Swarthmore College President Valerie Smith recognized Lt. Governor Green as a shining example of Swarthmore’s commitment to empowering students to give back to their communities. President Smith called direct attention to Lt. Governor Green’s leadership as Hawai`i’s COVID-19  liaison, where he effectively guided Hawai’i through the pandemic with the lowest number of COVID-19 cases per capita in the nation. When Lt. Governor Green contacted COVID-19 in September of 2020, he continued to work and give updates while quarantined in his home.

Lt. Governor Green, a graduate of the Swarthmore class of 92’, was named Hawai’i Physician of the year in 2009 and again in 2022. During Lt. Governor Green’s commencement ceremony acceptance speech, he praised the “Swarthmore Ethos” for his continued success and drive to help those in need. Lt. Governor Green’s dedication to helping others is what led him to join the National Health Service Corps to help underserved communities. 

“Josh Green’s pragmatic leadership and medical background has helped Hawai’i lead the way in our fight against COVID. Having a leader who really understands the issues and follows the science is why we’ve had so much success saving lives during the pandemic. We are so proud of all of his accomplishments, including his honorary Degree of Science from his Alma Mater,” said Dr. Jim Ireland, Honolulu, Hawai`i.

About Josh Green

Josh Green grew up in Pennsylvania and went to Swarthmore College to study Biology and Anthropology, he continued his studies at Pennsylvania State University and University of Pittsburgh where he completed his medical training. Josh Green moved to Hawai’i in 2000 as a physician in the National Health Service Corps. While practicing in rural communities on the Big Island, Josh Green was inspired to run for office. Lt. Governor Green was elected to the Hawai’i State House of Representatives in 2004 where he led an effort to provide affordable and accessible healthcare for all residents of the State of Hawai’i. In 2008 Josh Green was elected to the Hawaii state senate where he later became majority floor leader and was chairman of the senate Health committee and Human Services committee. Josh Green was recognized as “Hawaii Legislator of the Year” in 2013. Josh Green has served as the 14th Lieutenant Governor since 2018.