Jennifer Ashton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jennifer Ashton
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Dr. Ashton (left) in Haiti after the earthquake, 2010
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| Born |
Jennifer Lee Garfein
April 23, 1969 George Air Force Base, California, U.S.
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| Alma mater | Columbia University |
| Occupation | OB-GYN |
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| Children | 2 (Alex and Chloe) |
Jennifer Lee Garfein Ashton (born April 23, 1969) is an American physician and author. She is also a well-known television reporter. Dr. Ashton is the main health and medical editor for ABC News. She also works as the chief medical reporter for Good Morning America. She helps people understand important health topics.
Early Life and Education
Jennifer Ashton was born in California. Her father, Oscar Garfein, was a heart doctor in New York City. Her mother, Dorothy Garfein, was a registered nurse. Jennifer also has a brother, Evan Garfein. He is a chief plastic surgeon at Montefiore Hospital in New York City.
Jennifer went to Horace Mann School in New York City. There, she studied French and English.
In 1991, she finished her studies at Columbia College. She earned a bachelor's degree in art history.
She then went on to study medicine. In 2000, she received her medical degree from Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons.
Later, in 2016, she earned another degree. She received her master's degree in nutrition from Columbia University.
Career in Medicine and Media
Dr. Ashton is a highly qualified doctor. She is certified in two medical fields. These are obstetrics (care during pregnancy and childbirth) and gynecology (women's health). She is also certified in Obesity Medicine.
She completed her medical training at St. Luke's–Roosevelt Hospital Center in New York. She has worked as a doctor at Englewood Hospital and Medical Center. Now, she has her own private medical practice.
Dr. Ashton started her television career in 2006. She was the first female medical expert for the Fox News Channel. She also appeared on shows like A Baby Story on TLC. She was also on The Dr. Oz Show on Oprah & Friends radio.
In 2009, she joined CBS News as a medical reporter. After that, she moved to ABC News in 2012. She became a senior medical contributor. She often appeared on Good Morning America and ABC World News Tonight.
In 2013, she became a host on the talk show The Doctors.
Since March 2020, she has been a co-host for GMA3: What You Need to Know. Dr. Ashton is also the chief health and medical editor for ABC News. She is the first woman to hold this important position at ABC News.
Dr. Ashton has written several books. These include The Body Scoop for Girls (2009) and Your Body Beautiful (2012). In 2023, she launched The Dr. Jen Ashton Magazine. She is the editor-in-chief of this magazine.
In April 2024, Dr. Ashton shared news about her future. She announced she would leave ABC News in June 2024. She plans to start her own wellness company called Ajenda.
Personal Life
On August 31, 1996, Jennifer Ashton married Robert Ashton Jr. He was a heart surgeon. They had two children together. They divorced in January 2017.
In January 2022, Dr. Ashton got engaged to Tom Werner. He is a television producer and chairman of the Boston Red Sox. They got married on November 5, 2022. Their wedding was in New York City.
Dr. Ashton has learned Transcendental Meditation. This is a way to relax and focus.
She has two children: Alex, born in 1998, and Chloë, born in 1999.
Awards and Honors
Dr. Ashton has received many awards for her work.
- In 2007, the Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey honored her. They recognized her as a Woman of Achievement.
- In 2008, she received the Hope for The Future Award. This was from The Octoberwoman Foundation for Breast Cancer Awareness.
- From 2009 to 2011, she worked for CBS News. During this time, she received the Columbia Alfred DuPont Award. This award is for excellent journalism.
- In 2023, the American Heart Association gave her the Woman Changing the World Award.
- She has also won four Emmy Awards for her television work.
