According to the article “Obama Selects Alabama Doctor as Surgeon General” by Michael D. Shear in the Washington Post, President Obama has chosen Regina Benjamin to be the next Surgeon General.  Benjamin is a family physician from Alabama with a wide range of experience.

Benjamin is most well known for her efforts to rebuild her area after Hurricane Katrina.  She founded the Bayou La Rural Health Clinic back in 1990.  She is the first black woman to be the head of the State of Alabama Medical Association and was also the dean for rural health at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine.

Obama made this announcement at a Rose Garden event July 13th where he also discussed concerns over health insurance and health care reform.  Obama believes Benjamin is well prepared to face the challenges this debate brings.  The President’s first choice was CNN’s Sanjay Gupta, but he pulled out of the running a few months ago to spend more time with family.