President Barack Obama nominated Dr. Regina Benjamin for U.S. surgeon general - the top U.S. public health official - in a ceremony in the White House Rose Garden on Monday.

During the President's remarks, he emphasized that Dr. Benjamin understands the urgent need for health care reform.

For nearly two decades, Dr. Regina Benjamin has seen in a very personal way what is broken about our health care system, President Obama said today.

Dr. Benjamin is a physician from Alabama and her extensive and distinguished carrier in medicine as well as her care to people regardless of their financial situation were the biggest qualities President Obama distinguished as he introduced her as nominee.

But for all that she's seen and all the tremendous obstacles that she has overcome, Regina Benjamin also represents what's best about health care in America -- doctors and nurses who give and care and sacrifice for the sake of their patients; those Americans who would do anything to heal a fellow citizen, Obama added.

My hope, if confirmed as Surgeon General, is to be America's doctor, America's family physician. As we work toward a solution to this health care crisis, I promise to communicate directly with the American people to help guide them through whatever changes may come with health care reform, Benjamin said today.

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