Antonia Novello facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Antonia Novello
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| Commissioner of the New York State Department of Health | |
| In office June 1999 – December 31, 2006 |
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| Governor | George Pataki |
| Preceded by | Dennis P. Whalen (Acting) |
| Succeeded by | Richard F. Daines |
| 14th Surgeon General of the United States | |
| In office March 9, 1990 – June 30, 1993 |
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| President | George H. W. Bush Bill Clinton |
| Preceded by | James Mason (Acting) |
| Succeeded by | Robert Whitney (Acting) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | August 23, 1944 Fajardo, Puerto Rico |
| Political party | Republican |
| Education | University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras (BS) University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine (MD) Johns Hopkins University (MPH) |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Rank |  Vice admiral |
| Unit |  USPHS Commissioned Corps |
Antonia Coello Novello (born August 23, 1944) is a doctor and public health leader from Puerto Rico. She reached the rank of vice admiral in the Public Health Service Commissioned Corps. From 1990 to 1993, she served as the 14th Surgeon General of the United States. Dr. Novello was the first woman and the first Hispanic person to hold this very important position.
After her time as Surgeon General, she became the Commissioner of Health for the State of New York from 1999 to 2006. Dr. Novello has received many honors, including over fifty special degrees. She was chosen for the National Academy of Medicine in 2000 and joined the National Women's Hall of Fame. Her book, Duty Calls: Lessons Learned from an Unexpected Life of Service, was published in 2024.
Contents
Early Life and Health Journey
Antonia Novello was born on August 23, 1944, in Fajardo, Puerto Rico. She was the oldest of three children. Her father passed away when she was eight years old. Her mother, Ana Delia Flores, a teacher and principal, raised her.
From birth, Antonia had a painful health condition called Congenital megacolon. This meant she had to visit the hospital often. Doctors told her at age eight that she needed surgery. However, she had to wait ten more years for the operation. This experience deeply affected her. She decided to become a doctor. She wanted to make sure "no other person is going to wait 18 years for surgery."
Education and Medical Training
Antonia's mother always taught her that education was very important. Antonia was an excellent student. She finished high school when she was just 15 years old.
She attended the University of Puerto Rico in Rio Piedras. There, she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in 1965. She then went to the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine in San Juan. She received her Doctor of Medicine degree in 1970.
In 1970, she married Joseph R. Novello. They moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan, for her medical studies. Antonia started a pediatric internship at University of Michigan Medical School. She was the first woman to win the "University of Michigan Pediatrics Department Intern of the Year" award. In 1973, she and her husband moved to Washington D.C. She began her residency in pediatric nephrology (kidney care for children) at Georgetown University School of Medicine Hospital. She also studied at Johns Hopkins University.
Career Highlights
Early Medical Practice
In 1976, Dr. Novello opened her own private practice in Springfield, Virginia. She worked as a pediatrician, a doctor for children. However, she soon realized that it was too hard for her emotionally. She said, "When the pediatrician cries as much as the parents do, then you know it's time to get out." She decided to end her private practice.
Serving the Public Health
In 1979, Dr. Novello joined the Public Health Service. This is a group of health professionals who work for the U.S. government. Her first job was at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This is a major medical research center. She also worked as a pediatrics doctor at Georgetown University School of Medicine. While at NIH, she earned a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree from the Johns Hopkins School of Hygiene and Public Health in 1982.
Dr. Novello held several important roles at NIH. In 1986, she became the deputy director of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD). She also led AIDS research for NICHD starting in 1987. She became very interested in how AIDS affected children. Her work in this area got the attention of the White House. She also helped write a law about organ donation in 1984.
Becoming Surgeon General
President George H. W. Bush chose Dr. Novello to be the Surgeon General of the United States. She started this role on March 9, 1990. She was also given the temporary rank of vice admiral. She made history as the first woman and the first Hispanic person to be Surgeon General.
As Surgeon General, Dr. Novello focused on the health of women, children, and minority groups. She also worked on preventing underage drinking, smoking, and the spread of AIDS. She helped start the Healthy Children Ready to Learn Initiative. She worked with other groups to encourage immunization for children. She also promoted efforts to prevent childhood injuries. She often spoke out strongly against underage drinking. She also criticized tobacco companies for using cartoon characters like Joe Camel to attract young people.
Dr. Novello left the Surgeon General position on June 30, 1993. President Bill Clinton's team praised her for her "vigor and talent."
Later Career
After being Surgeon General, Dr. Novello continued to work for the Public Health Service. From 1993 to 1996, she was a Special Representative for Health and Nutrition at the United Nations Children's Fund. In 1996, she became a visiting professor at the Johns Hopkins School of Hygiene and Public Health. She later retired from the Public Health Service as a vice admiral.
In 1999, Governor of New York George Pataki appointed Dr. Novello as the Commissioner of Health for the State of New York. She held this position until 2006. From 2008 to 2014, she worked at Disney Children's Hospital in Orlando, Florida. She was the vice president for Women and Children Health and Policy Affairs. She retired from her role at Florida Hospital - Orlando in 2014.
Awards and Honors
Dr. Novello has received many awards and honors throughout her career. Some of these include:
- 1990, Life Achievement Award, the National Puerto Rican Coalition
- 1991, Living Legacy Award, Women's International Center
- 1991, Medical Achievement Award, American Liver Foundation
- 1991, Congressional Hispanic Caucus Medal
- 1992, The Washington Times Freedom Award
- 1993, Ellis Island Congressional Medal of Honor, Ellis Island
- 1993, American Medical Association, Nathan David Award
- 1994, Induction, National Women's Hall of Fame
- 1998, Hispanic Heritage Awards - Leadership Award
- 2000, elected to the National Academy of Medicine
- 2002, American Medical Women's Association, International Women in Medicine Hall of Fame
- 2002, Smithsonian Institution, The James Smithson Bicentennial Medal
- 2008, Legacy Award for Sciences, Smithsonian Institution Latino Center
- 2017, Government of Puerto Rico Recognition Award for Services Rendered During Hurricane Maria
- 2020, USA Today, 100 Women of the Century
- 2020, Lifetime Achievement Award, Latina Style Magazine
- 2023, Puerto Rico National Guard, Merit Cross Medal
Dr. Novello has been given more than 50 honorary doctorates. These are special degrees given to honor her achievements.
Personal Life
Dr. Novello was married to Joseph R. Novello. He was a flight surgeon and psychiatrist for the US Navy. Her brother-in-law is Don Novello, who created the character Father Guido Sarducci on Saturday Night Live.
See also
In Spanish: Antonia Novello para niños
- List of Puerto Ricans
- Puerto Rican scientists and inventors
- History of women in Puerto Rico
