Antonia Coello Novello was born on August 23, 1944, in Fajardo, Puerto Rico. Growing up, she showed an interest in helping others and knew from a young age that she wanted to pursue a career in medicine. She attended the University of Puerto Rico, where she earned her bachelor's degree in biology. After completing her undergraduate studies, she moved to the United States to further her education.
Novello enrolled in the Johns Hopkins School of Hygiene and Public Health, where she obtained a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree in 1982. During her time at Johns Hopkins, she developed a passion for public health and a keen interest in addressing healthcare disparities.
After graduating from Johns Hopkins, Novello began her medical career as a pediatric physician at Georgetown University Hospital in 1976. She worked tirelessly to provide quality care to her young patients and quickly earned a reputation as a compassionate and dedicated doctor.
In 1990, Novello made history when she was appointed as the 14th Surgeon General of the United States by President George Bush. She was the first Hispanic and the first woman to hold this prestigious position, breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations of women and minorities in healthcare leadership roles.
During her tenure as Surgeon General, Novello focused on raising awareness about important public health issues such as smoking prevention and childhood immunizations. She traveled across the country advocating for better healthcare access and resources for underserved communities.
Despite her many accomplishments, Novello's time as Surgeon General was marred by controversy. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, she served as the New York state Commissioner of Health and was later charged with fraud and government services theft for actions she took during her tenure. The legal battle that followed tarnished her reputation and overshadowed her earlier achievements.
After stepping down from her role as Surgeon General and facing legal troubles, Novello retreated from the public eye. She continued to work in healthcare, using her expertise to help improve the health and well-being of others. Despite the challenges she faced, Novello remained dedicated to her calling as a healer and advocate for public health.
Novello married U.S. Navy psychiatrist Joseph R. Novello, with whom she shared a deep bond and a commitment to serving others. Together, they navigated the ups and downs of life in the public eye and supported each other through thick and thin.
Throughout her life, Novello remained resilient in the face of adversity and continued to champion causes that were dear to her heart. Her legacy as a trailblazer in healthcare and a compassionate caregiver lives on, inspiring others to follow in her footsteps and make a difference in the world.