From Bayou to Beltway: Dr. Regina Benjamin’s Trailblazing Journey in Public Health

This month on Danforth Dialogues, we are honored to welcome Dr. Regina Benjamin, the 18th United States Surgeon General who served during the Obama administration. A trailblazer in public health and health equity, Dr. Benjamin brings decades of experience and national leadership to the conversation.

A native of Alabama, Dr. Benjamin began her medical journey at Morehouse School of Medicine as a member of the second entering class when it was a two-year institution. She went on to earn her medical degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and later received an MBA from Tulane University. Dr. Benjamin opened a solo practice in Bayou La Batre, Alabama, which she later transformed into a nonprofit rural health clinic that has earned national acclaim for its service to underserved communities.

Dr. Benjamin’s contributions to the field extend far beyond her clinical work. She has served on the boards of Morehouse School of Medicine, Florida A&M University, and Tulane University. In 1995, she made history as the first African American woman and the youngest person elected to the American Medical Association’s board of trustees. Her many honors include a MacArthur Genius Fellowship, a papal medal from Pope Benedict XVI, and recognition as one of Reader’s Digest’s 100 most trusted people in America. We are especially proud to have Dr. Benjamin as our 2025 commencement speaker.

Tune in to this inspiring conversation with Dr. Regina Benjamin as she reflects on her remarkable journey, groundbreaking achievements, and enduring connection to Morehouse School of Medicine.

Resources Related To This Episode

• Visit https://www.msm.edu/

Credits

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