I was immediately impressed with Dr. Regina Benjamin's background when President Obama nominated her for U.S. Surgeon General. She's led an impressive career, one that includes deciding to practice in a low-income community in the Gulf Coast of Alabama. The Bayou La Batre Rural Health Clinic has been a staple for residents since 1987 and often doesn't charge patients who can't afford to pay. The clinic also focuses heavily on preventative illness since this hits close to home for Dr. Benjamin. She lost her father to diabetics and high-blood pressure, her mother to lung cancer and her brother from a HIV-related illness.Personally and professionally, Dr. Benjamin has longed fought for the well-being of others. After researching her background, I had a gut feeling she was a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., a non-profit community service based organization. And it was confirmed several days later when the sorority's national president announced Dr. Benjamin became a member while completing her undergraduate degree at Xavier University in New Orleans, La.
While I wasn't the only one impressed with Dr. Benjamin's background, there were also some who questioned her ability to perform the duties of Surgeon General. An article with the subtitle: "Do you have to be thin to be fit for the role of nation's Top Doc?", was published shortly after Dr. Benjamin's nomination. Dr. Arthur Caplan penned the article and defended Dr. Benjamin due to her tireless effort of serving those less fortunate. I applaud him for taking a stand on Dr. Benjamin's behalf.
I don't condone a unhealthy lifestyle, but I'm sure Dr. Benjamin is probably like many of us. With hectic work schedules and families, it can be difficult to find time to lead a healthy lifestyle. I struggle with juggling my to-do-list daily and sometimes exercise and healthy eating doesn't make the cut. It's no secret that women are confronted with these issues more than men. I'm calling on women to speak up for Dr. Benjamin. You don't have to agree with the policies of President Obama or even with the nomination of Dr. Benjamin, but we can't continue to allow society to dictate our outer appearance.
Women, start making your Moves today!
While I wasn't the only one impressed with Dr. Benjamin's background, there were also some who questioned her ability to perform the duties of Surgeon General. An article with the subtitle: "Do you have to be thin to be fit for the role of nation's Top Doc?", was published shortly after Dr. Benjamin's nomination. Dr. Arthur Caplan penned the article and defended Dr. Benjamin due to her tireless effort of serving those less fortunate. I applaud him for taking a stand on Dr. Benjamin's behalf.
I don't condone a unhealthy lifestyle, but I'm sure Dr. Benjamin is probably like many of us. With hectic work schedules and families, it can be difficult to find time to lead a healthy lifestyle. I struggle with juggling my to-do-list daily and sometimes exercise and healthy eating doesn't make the cut. It's no secret that women are confronted with these issues more than men. I'm calling on women to speak up for Dr. Benjamin. You don't have to agree with the policies of President Obama or even with the nomination of Dr. Benjamin, but we can't continue to allow society to dictate our outer appearance.
Women, start making your Moves today!
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