Rocco has some great information on the nomination of Dr. Regina Benjamin as President Barack Obama's pick as the new Surgeon General. A Catholic and a longtime advocate of health care for the rural poor, Dr. Benjamin has also served as the head of the Catholic Medical Association and received the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice award from Pope Benedict XVI in 2006.
From Whispers:
The first African-American woman to lead a state medical association, the 53 year-old nominee -- whose grandmother
helped found
a Black Catholic parish, its first Masses offered in her living room --
must be confirmed by the Senate before she can become the nation's "top
doc." In the meantime, CHA President Sr Carol Keehan "rejoice[d] for
the nation"
in a statement released just after this morning's announcement:
In
Dr. Benjamin, we have a brilliant physician who understands health
care, nationally and internationally; but even more important, she
knows the health care needs of the people of Bayou La Batre, Alabama,
who she meets on a daily basis.
Dr. Benjamin will enrich the
nation because she brings competence and integrity to this very
important role. This is coupled with the daily experience of trying to
meet the health care needs of a very vulnerable community. Our nation
will greatly benefit from her leadership and her background in national
and international efforts to deliver quality health care.
CHA congratulates Dr. Benjamin and looks forward to working with her to improve the health of our great country.
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