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Antonia Novello

Former US Surgeon General

When Dr. Antonia Novello grew up in the small city of Farjardo, Puerto Rico, she never dreamed she would spread her wings beyond its borders. As a child, she suffered from a medical condition that could only be corrected with surgery, but her family’s humble means could not afford the costs. It was only after two surgeries, at age 18 and 20, that the condition was finally corrected. This life changing experience drove her decision to become a doctor. Through determination and hard work, Dr. Novello was named Surgeon General of the United States by President George Bush in 1990. This appointment made history, as she became the first woman and the first Hispanic ever to hold that office. Her selection came after nearly two decades of public service at the National Institutes of Health, where she took a role in drafting national legislation regarding organ transplantation.