Dr. Benjamin nod clears committee

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In a short hearing, the Senate Health Committee approved the nomination of Dr. Regina Benjamin to be the next U.S. Surgeon General. The nomination now moves to the full Senate.

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

Dr. Benjamin founded the Bayou la Batre Rural Health Clinic. President Obama said Dr. Benjamin knows first hand about the needs of the poor and uninsured, making her exceptionally qualified to be America's doctor.

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.

Dr. Benjamin says her family's health issues 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. Now Americans get to see why she and her clinic are a pillar in this community.

"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," said Dr. Benjamin.