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 |
Jennifer Lee Garfein Ashton, born on April 23, 1969, is an American doctor, author, and television reporter. She is well-known for her work as a health expert on TV. Dr. Ashton was the chief health and medical editor for ABC News and Good Morning America. She also wrote columns for Cosmopolitan Magazine.
Dr. Ashton often speaks at events to raise awareness about women's health. She helps people understand important health topics.
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Early Life and Education
Jennifer Ashton was born in Victorville, 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 and reconstructive surgeon in New York City.
School Days
Ashton went to the Horace Mann School in New York City. There, she studied French and English. She then attended Columbia College, Columbia University. In 1991, she earned a bachelor's degree in art history.
Medical Training
Dr. Ashton continued her studies at Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons. She received her medical degree in 2000. During her time in medical school, she was the president of her class for all four years. She also won an award for her studies in pharmacology.
After medical school, she completed her residency at Mt. Sinai West Hospital in New York City. She was honored as Chief Resident of the Year. This was the first time this award had ever been given. Later, in 2016, she earned a 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: obstetrics and gynecology. These fields focus on women's health and childbirth. She is also certified in obesity medicine.
Medical Practice
She completed her medical training at St. Luke's–Roosevelt Hospital Center in New York. Dr. Ashton has worked as a doctor at Englewood Hospital and Medical Center in New Jersey. She also has her own private medical practice.
Television and Writing
Dr. Ashton started her TV career in 2006. She was the first female medical expert for Fox News Channel. She appeared on shows like A Baby Story and The Dr. Oz Show. In 2009, she joined CBS News as a medical reporter.
In 2012, she became a medical expert for ABC's The Revolution. Later that year, she joined ABC News. She appeared regularly on Good Morning America and ABC World News Tonight. She also co-hosted GMA3: What You Need to Know starting in March 2020. She became the chief health and medical editor for ABC News and Good Morning America. She was the first woman to hold this important role.
Dr. Ashton has written several books. These include The Body Scoop for Girls (2009) and Your Body Beautiful (2012). She also wrote Eat This, Not That! When You're Expecting (2016). In 2019, she published The Self Care Solution. In 2021, her book The New Normal was released. In 2023, she launched The Dr. Jen Ashton Magazine. It was a very successful new magazine.
In April 2024, Dr. Ashton announced she was leaving ABC News. She planned to start her own wellness company called Ajenda. She left ABC News in June 2024.
Personal Life
Jennifer Ashton married Robert Ashton Jr. in 1996. He was a heart surgeon. They had two children together. They divorced in January 2017.
After her divorce, Dr. Ashton experienced a difficult personal loss. This experience led her to speak out about mental health. She shared her family's journey of healing. She has become a strong advocate for mental wellness and support.
In January 2022, Ashton became engaged to Tom Werner. He is the chairman of the Boston Red Sox baseball team. They were married on November 5, 2022. Their wedding was a traditional Jewish ceremony in New York City.
Dr. Ashton has also shared that she practices Transcendental Meditation. This is a technique for relaxation and inner peace.
Awards and Honors
Dr. Ashton has received many awards for her work.
- In 2007, the Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey 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 Network. During this time, she received the prestigious Columbia Alfred DuPont Award for Excellence in 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.
