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Morehouse School of Medicine is proud to announce that Regina M. Benjamin, MD, MBA, will be honored with the Excellence in Community Service Award at the 15th Annual Hugh M. Gloster Society Celebration. This prestigious award recognizes individuals, organizations or groups for their outstanding contributions to the local community through service, volunteering and initiatives that enhance the quality of life for others. 

A true champion of public health and community service, Dr. Benjamin’s career has been defined by a lifelong commitment to improving healthcare access and outcomes, particularly in underserved and rural communities. She is the Founder and CEO of BayouClinic, a rural health clinic in Alabama, and served as the 18th United States Surgeon General from 2009 to 2013. In her role as America’s Doctor, Dr. Benjamin provided evidence-based health guidance to the nation and led 6,500 uniformed public health officers in their mission to protect and promote health worldwide. 

As the Chair of the National Prevention Council, Dr. Benjamin played a critical role in developing the National Prevention Strategy: America’s Plan for Better Health and Wellness, focusing on policies to improve health outcomes for individuals and communities alike. Her work has been instrumental in addressing obesity, childhood health, rural healthcare disparities, mental health and violence prevention. 

Beyond her government service, Dr. Benjamin has had a distinguished career in medical leadership and advocacy. She was the first African American woman and the youngest physician elected to the American Medical Association Board of Trustees. She has served on the boards of leading healthcare organizations, including the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Kaiser Family Foundation, Catholic Health Association and Morehouse School of Medicine. 

Dr. Benjamin's contributions to public health have earned her many accolades, including the Nelson Mandela Award for Health and Human Rights, a MacArthur Genius Fellowship and the Chairman’s Award at the NAACP Image Awards. Recognized globally for her impact, she was ranked #22 on Reader’s Digest’s list of the “100 Most Trusted People in America.” 

A distinguished academic, Dr. Benjamin holds a B.S. in Chemistry from Xavier University, is a member of the second graduating class of Morehouse School of Medicine, earned an M.D. from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and an MBA from Tulane University. She was awarded 30 honorary degrees for her contributions to medicine and public health. 

The Hugh M. Gloster Society and the 50th Anniversary Celebration  

In recognition of the power of philanthropy, MSM established the Hugh M. Gloster Society in 2007 to honor donors who contribute $1,000 or more annually. Named after one of MSM’s esteemed founders, the Gloster Society plays a pivotal role in sustaining scholarships and advancing the institution’s mission. 

This year’s 15th Annual Gloster Society Celebration will mark MSM’s 50th Anniversary with an unforgettable evening at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, featuring the Vanguard Award, the Health Equity IMPACT Awards and performances by Babyface and Doug E. Fresh.  

Learn more about the Gloster Society here. 

 

About the Author

Michael Martin is a content strategist who believes in crafting compelling stories that inspire and connect. With a pen for storytelling, he brings the journeys of future physicians to life, highlighting their impact and dedication to healthcare.

Contact

Michael Martin
Digital Content Strategist
Office of Marketing & Communications
mamartin@msm.edu