Puerto Rican physician Antonia Coello de Novello Added To Hall Of Fame In Medicine

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Coello De Novello Added To Hall Of Fame In Medicine

June 20, 2002
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SAN JUAN (AP) – Puerto Rican physician Antonia Coello de Novello, the first woman and first Hispanic U.S. surgeon general, will be installed Friday in the international hall of fame of the American Medical Women’s Association (AMWA).

"For the moment, only 12 women have been included in the hall of fame," said Meghan Kissell, spokeswoman for the association.

Coello de Novello, 57, was named surgeon general in 1990 by former President George Bush, father of the current president, who some months ago nominated another physician of Hispanic origin to the post.

Coello de Novello is the current health commissioner for the state of New York, and her specialization is pediatric nephrology and public health.

AMWA stated that while Coello de Novello served as surgeon general, she was an important voice in promoting health care for women, children, and minorities. Coello de Novello was also dedicated to campaigns against alcohol consumption and the habit of early-age cigarette smoking.

Four other personalities will be honored prior to this activity at a hotel in McLean, Virginia, including former Surgeon General Joyce Elders.