Antonia Novello, MD

Former Surgeon General

Antonia Novello is a Puerto Rican physician and public health administrator who served as the 14th Surgeon General of the United States from 1990 to 1993, becoming the first woman and first Hispanic person to hold this position. Prior to her appointment, she worked at the National Institutes of Health, specializing in pediatrics and public health.As Surgeon General, Dr. Novello focused on issues such as underage drinking, smoking, AIDS, and women's health. After her tenure, she continued her public service career, including a role as New York State Health Commissioner from 1999 to 2006.