Image of nurses' hands at computer keyboard

Former Republican presidential candidate Ben Carson, M.D., is one of the top names being floated for the top health official spot in President-elect Donald Trump’s administration.

A former neurosurgeon, Carson is currently generating the most buzz as a potential secretary for the Department of Health and Human Services, Politico reported on Wednesday. Trump has praised Carson for his “brilliant” medical career, and noted that he hopes Carson “will be very much involved in my administration in the coming years.” Carson also has gained support for his “blistering criticism of Obamacare,” the Boston Herald reported.

Additional names surfacing as potential HHS secretary candidates include Florida Gov. Rick Scott (R),  former pharmaceutical executive and Trump transition team leader Rich Bagger, and former House Speaker, Georgian Newt Gingrich (R).

Gingrich, who is also speculated to be in the running for Secretary of State, was offered a “senior position” by Trump earlier this month, according to The Hill. At a reception on Tuesday, Gingrich reportedly said he wanted to serve in a capacity that allows him “special authority” to target waste, fraud and abuse in the government.

“I said I want to be the senior planner for the entire federal government, and I want a letter from [Trump] that says Newt Gingrich is authorized to go to any program in any department, examine it and report directly to the president,” Gingrich said.