The Weight Debate: Obama’s Pick for Surgeon General
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Healthline
On one side of the scale is the above-average weight of Dr. Benjamin’s extraordinary resume; on the other side, her above-average personal weight. The question that is hanging in the balance and one that has sparked a lively (and hopefully healthy) debate in the blogosphere and beyond is this: Despite her credentials, does Regina Benjamin’s perceived weight issue disqualify her from being the country’s leading spokesperson on matters of public health?
Dr. Benjamin’s resume speaks for itself. She is a highly decorated family physician from rural Alabama and a champion of the medically underserved—having made headlines for her tireless work after Hurricane Katrina. She has had heaps of honors bestowed upon her, including a McArthur genius award and a Nelson Mandela Award. She was the first African-American woman elected to the American Medical Association’s board of trustees. This list goes on and on.
However, the full-figured Benjamin has been called out by many in online comment forums who think the surgeon general should, at the very least, look healthy at first glance, with the goal of leading by example. Some question the choice for a country plagued by obesity. Some question her stint as the president of Alabama Medical Association—in one of the unhealthiest states in the nation.
Talk to political experts, and most will agree that the surgeon general is a largely symbolic post with some inherent influence but without much administrative authority. Interestingly enough, that makes this debate even more relevant. But it seems symbolism is in the eye of the beholder. Do you see an award-winning African-American family doctor who works selflessly to help those who struggle to help themselves. Or do you see an overweight physician from one of the unhealthiest states in America. It’s a debate that has sparked conversations about health all across the country, which we all can agree is a good thing.
We want your thoughts: Which matters most—Dr. Benjamin’s credentials or her weight?
6 Comments:
At Thu Jul 23, 06:26:00 AM 2009,
dnana21 said…
Qualifixcations should count much morwe than any weight issue. What she has already done for her state is impressive, if she can do as much for the country great. How come this was not an issue when J Edward Kupp was in the same office. No one mentioned his extra punds or size. Aren't we past this form of prejudice ? This is a bvalid question. I'll be surprised at any answers.
At Fri Jul 24, 07:32:00 AM 2009,
Anonymous said…
How do we know she isn't, you know, healthy? I don't think it is about extra poundage but about a woman who doesn't fit the 'ideal' body type.
At Thu Aug 13, 10:43:00 AM 2009,
DocSchlockWatch said…
Why shouldn't the two (knowledge for others and personal action) be related? If she knows health, then she should know how to make herself not at risk for sedentary, overweight, high risk lifestyle. Her entire family has long lists of diseases known related to unhealthy food choices and lack of exercise. "Ideal" body type isn't about lack of muscular size but someone not living unhealthy lifestyle. Is this an American problem, thinking that high weight and unhealthy lifestyle is not a health problem or reflective of lack of knowledge or behavior to change it?
At Fri Aug 21, 08:39:00 AM 2009,
Anonymous said…
Weight is directly related to the overall health of an individual. When people have chronic problems, they are almost always exacerbated by excess weight. Why won't people realize that health care reform has to start with person responsibility.
At Tue Aug 25, 09:24:00 AM 2009,
kevin said…
why don't we look into her own medical history as well as her figure? i think DocSchlockWatch has a good point when he brings up the Surgeon General's medical history with respect to her family, but what about her? what, if any, diseases does she or has she suffered from? some people are just rounder, stouter than others, and slimming down may be unhealthy. conversely, if she eats unhealthily and is known to have suffered from weight-related diseases (diabetes, for instance) then perhaps we can further question the president's decision. until then, i think her record qualifies her, not her figure.
At Mon Nov 02, 01:56:00 PM 2009,
Degenerative Arthritis said…
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