by WKRG Staff
Published: Mon, July 13, 2009 - 1:42 pm CST
Senator Jeff Sessions“I’m proud that President Obama has selected one of Alabama’s finest physicians, Dr. Regina Benjamin, to serve as the next Surgeon General of the United States.
“Dr. Benjamin is a former Chair of the Medical Association of the State of Alabama—the first black woman to hold that post—and was Associate Dean for Rural Health at the University of South Alabama's College of Medicine. Throughout her career, Dr. Benjamin has displayed an unwavering commitment to improving health care in rural and underserved areas, and has demonstrated a sincere dedication to the wellbeing of her patients. I was pleased to work with her after Hurricane Katrina, which left many on the Gulf Coast without access to quality care. Following the storm and a fire, she rebuilt her clinic—twice—to ensure that the area’s poor and immigrant populations had access to care.
“I am confident that the American people will benefit from her knowledge, skills, and commitment to improving the public’s health and wellness. I congratulate Dr. Benjamin and applaud her nomination to be America’s Doctor.”
Gov. Bob Riley
"Dr. Benjamin's contributions to furthering rural health care and to public service are extraordinary. Her dedication to the state of Alabama and to humanity is a model for doctors everywhere," said Governor Bob Riley.
Governor Riley has previously appointed Dr. Benjamin to serve on the Alabama Rural Action Commission, the Black Belt Action Commission, and the Governor’s Commission on Efficiency, Consolidation, and Funding.
In 2003, Governor Riley nominated Dr. Benjamin for the National Governors Association Distinguished Service Award to State Government, which she won. Established in 1976, the NGA Awards for Distinguished Service to State Government allow governors to bring national recognition to their states’ most valuable civil servants and private citizens. The awards emphasize the commitment of state administrators and the important contributions private citizens make to state government.
Bayou La Batre Doctor Is Obama’s Pick For Surgeon General
Email to a Friend 
Printer Friendly 
Recently Commented On
WKRG Digital Signal Upgrade
Siran Stacy Sues Dothan 911…
Baldwin School Closing A Possibility?
Deadly Ship Explosion
Gulf Coast Classic Attendance:…