In a riveting address that captivated the audience, Dr. Antonia Novello, the first female and first Hispanic U.S. Surgeon General, shared insights from her groundbreaking career while unveiling her latest biography to students and faculty of Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine.
The event provided a rare opportunity for attendees to glean wisdom from one of the medical field’s most prominent figures. Dr. Novello regaled the audience with tales from her historic tenure as Surgeon General, recounting the challenges she faced and the invaluable lessons she learned along the way.
“We are honored to host Dr. Novello and grateful for the invaluable insights she has shared with our community,” remarked John Hummer, President and Co-Founder of Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine. “Her unwavering commitment to service is an inspiration to us all, reminding us of the transformative power of compassionate, patient-centered care.”
The highlight of the evening was the official presentation of Dr. Novello’s new biography, titled “Duty Calls: Lessons Learned from an Unexpected Life of Service.” The memoir offers readers a candid glimpse into Dr. Novello’s remarkable journey, showcasing her unwavering commitment to public health and her tireless advocacy for underserved communities.
As students eagerly received copies of the biography, Dr. Novello emphasized the importance of empathy, integrity, and perseverance in the field of medicine. Her words resonated deeply with the audience, inspiring a renewed sense of purpose and dedication among those embarking on their own careers in healthcare.
Throughout her address, Dr. Novello underscored the importance of addressing healthcare disparities and championing access to quality care for all individuals, regardless of background or socioeconomic status. Her impassioned plea served as a poignant reminder of the profound impact that compassionate, patient-centered care can have on communities across the globe.
Dr. Novello also served as Burrell’s first keynote speaker at our inaugural White Coat ceremony in August 2016 (watch here: https://youtu.be/TgT1Tjht9bc).
