Dr. Regina Benjamin's background

BAYOU LA BATRE, Ala. - Outstanding, incomparable, and genius. These were just a few of the adjectives used to describe Dr. Regina Benjamin Monday, after she was nominated for Surgeon General by President Barack Obama.

Dr. Benjamin founded the Bayou la Batre Rural Health Clinic. She is now President Barack Obama's choice for surgeon general. President Obama held a news conference Monday afternoon and officially announced the nomination. He said Dr. Benjamin knows first hand about the needs of the poor and uninsured making her exceptionally qualified to be America's doctor. This moment was also a big day for the city.

He may not have gotten the name of the city right, but many folks think President Barack Obama did get his pick right.

President Obama said, "Let me introduce you to the next surgeon general of the United States, Dr. Regina Benjamin."

Dr. Regina Benjamin stood proudly as President Obama spoke of the reasons he chose her as the nominee. He said she's an outstanding candidate who has a long list of qualifications.

"In 1995 she became the first physician under 40 and the first African American woman to be named to the American Medical Association's Board of Trustees. In 2002, she became president of the Alabama State Medical Association. She received numerous awards and recognitions including the MacArthur genius award," he added.

During the Rose Garden News conference, Dr. Benjamin spoke of her family's health issues, which were an inspiration for her to improve health care for Americans. Public health is near and dear to her heart. She said she wants to be the voice of the people.

"I'm honored and I'm humbled to be nominated to serve as U.S. surgeon general. This is a physicians dream, but for me it's more than a job," said Dr. Benjamin.

Many said Dr. Benjamin is a selfless person who always puts her patients first even when they can't afford to pay. The impression she left on folks here is priceless. Now Americans get to see why she and her clinic are a pillar in this community.

Dr. Benjamin said, "I would like to thank my staff and patients at the Rural Health Clinic in Bayou la Batre; all the work over the past 20 years had been for them and patients like them, this is no different. Thank you Mr. President for having the confidence in me. And if confirmed, I promise to give America my best."