Media contact: Anne DeLotto Baier, USF Health Sciences Public Affairs, 813-974-3300, or abaier@hsc.usf.edu
Former Surgeon General to speak at USF College of Public Health for Hispanic Heritage Month
Tampa, FL (Oct. 14, 2004) -- The first woman and first Hispanic ever to hold the position of highest ranking doctor in the U.S. government will visit the University of South Florida this Thursday, Oct. 21, as part of the university's celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month.
Former U.S Surgeon General Antonia Novello, MD, who has served as New York State Health Commissioner since 1999, will speak to faculty, students and alumni 2 p.m. at the USF College of Public Health Auditorium, 13201 Bruce B. Downs Blvd.
Dr. Novello will speak on "Challenges in Public Health in the 21st Century: A Call to Action." Her talk is co-hosted by the USF Colleges of Engineering, Medicine and Nursing and the Louis de la Parte Florida Mental Health Institute in partnership with the Museum of Science & Industry and ENLACE (Engaging Latino Communities for Education) at USF.
Dr. Novello is the recipient of MOSI's 2004 Hispanic Scientist of the Year Award, which recognizes outstanding Hispanic scientists who promote a greater public understanding of science and motivate Hispanic youth's interest in science.
A native of Puerto Rico, Dr. Novello is a pediatric nephrologist. She was appointed Surgeon General in 1990 following a distinguished public service career at the National Institutes of Health. As leader of the 6,500 employees of the Public Health Service, she directed the nation's attention to AIDS-infected children, the perils of smoking and teenage drinking, and women's health issues.
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The University of South Florida College of Public Health at the USF Health Sciences Center is the only accredited college of public health in Florida and one of only 34 accredited public health programs nationwide. A leader in health promotion, the College prepares tomorrow's public health professionals to be vital stewards of the public's health and safety. With $25 million in grants and contracts in 2003-04, the College is home to five federally funded Centers of Excellence. Its results-oriented, population-based research helps to promote health and prevent disease across the life span in Florida and the global community by targeting a spectrum of groups to influence behavior toward healthy choices.