10/30/2009 12:21 PM ET
(RTTNews) -
Dr. Regina Benjamin received Senate confirmation late Thursday to serve as U.S. surgeon general, making her only the third African-American to hold the position.
She was nominated for the position by President Barack Obama back on July 13 and received unanimous approval during the confirmation vote Thursday night.
At a press conference in July when her nomination was announced, Benjamin said she would "be a voice in the movement to improve our nation's health care, and our nation's health, for the future."
Commenting on Benjamin's confirmation, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said, "Dr. Benjamin will quickly become America's doctor as our next Surgeon General. Her deep knowledge and strong medical skills, her commitment to her patients, and her ability to inspire the people she interacts with every day will serve her well as Surgeon General."
Sebelius added, "She will be an integral part of our H1N1 response effort, and America can expect to see her very soon communicating important information about how to stay healthy and safe this flu season."
Benjamin's confirmation took as long as it did because Senate Republicans had blocked her confirmation after the Obama administration barred those insurance companies that take part in the Medicare program from arguing to seniors that Obama's proposed healthcare reform could mean benefit cuts.
Before receiving the nomination, Benjamin had served as a board member of the American Medical Association.
She had also served as chairwoman of the AMA's Council on Ethical and Judicial Affairs.
by RTT Staff Writer
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