Meet the Black Woman Appointed as California’s First Ever Surgeon General

San Francisco, CA — Dr. Nadine Burke Harris, a 43-year old African-American woman, has been recently appointed as the first-ever surgeon general of California. Governor Gavin Newsom made the appointment as part of the state’s efforts to help its young residents.

Burke Harris, who is based in San Francisco, is a nationally-acclaimed doctor and pediatrician. She is also an entrepreneur and the CEO of the Center for Youth Wellness in San Francisco.

“Looking forward to rolling up my sleeves as CA’s first Surgeon General. Thank you @GavinNewsom for your bold vision for health for all Californians. #preventscreenandheal!” Burke Harris said on Twitter the day after her being appointed on January 21.

Governor Newsom believes Burke Harris is the ideal person for the position as she has extensive experience in helping children who experience trauma, which is “one of the most serious, expensive and widespread public health crises of our time,” as told in her biography. Through the Center for Youth Wellness, she aims to change the way people look and treat children exposed to toxic stress and “adverse childhood experiences.”

Aside from that, she is also a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics’ National Advisory Board for Screening, the committee for the National Academy of Medicine, and leads the Bay Area Research Consortium on Toxic Stress and Health.

Burke Harris, who is a Democrat, received support from politicians including California Rep. Barbara Lee and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

Burke Harris will be officially sworn in as surgeon general on February 11 and will receive an annual salary of $200,000.

Watch her Ted Talk below: