U.S. President Barack Obama on Monday nominated Regina Benjamin, a family physician from Alabama, to be the next surgeon general, the country's top physician.

Announcing the choice at the Rose Garden in the White House, Obama said Benjamin, who made press headlines by operating a nonprofit clinic during Hurricane Katrina disaster in 2005, represents "what's best about health care in America."

The president also said he believed the nominee will be a great help to push forward his health reform agenda.

Benjamin pledged to play an active role in helping patients in need and in fighting diseases.

U.S. President Barack Obama shakes hand with Alabama doctor Regina Benjamin (R) after announcing she will be the new U.S. Surgeon General while in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, July 13, 2009. [Xinhua/Reuters]

 Born in 1956, she was the first black woman to head the State of Alabama Medical Association and was associate dean at the University of South Alabama's College of Medicine.

Obama's first choice for surgeon general, CNN's top medical reporter Sanjay Gupta, pulled out of the running several months ago, saying he wanted to be able to spend more time with his family.

The surgeon general is the leading spokesperson on health care issues in the U.S. government and reports to the secretary of health.

The surgeon general also heads the 6,000-member Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, a cadre of health professionals who are on call 24 hours a day.

The nomination must be confirmed by a majority vote of the Senate.

(Xinhua News Agecny July 14, 2009)