Duty Calls: Lessons Learned from an Unexpected Life of Service

Follow the remarkable journey of a trailblazing American leader, Dr. Antonia Novello, the first woman and the first Hispanic Surgeon General of the United States Dr. Antonia Novello is a vanguard in the United States and Puerto Rico, whose enduring commitment to service has left an indelible mark on the world of public health. With a distinguished career spanning more than four decades, including serving as the US Surgeon General and the New York State Commissioner of Health during 9/11, her story highlights an unwavering dedication to improving the well-being of individuals and communities.  Dr. Novello’s story is one of challenges faced and overcome, of resilience and perseverance, and of shattering glass ceilings and opening doors for future generations of leaders. With honesty and openness, she shares her early battles with childhood illness and her desire to overcome stereotypes, while also chronicling her meteoric rise through various roles in the field of health care, leading to her service as the nation’s top medical officer. From her struggles to her celebrations to her tireless advocacy for the health of young people, each chapter offers a glimpse into the resilience and wisdom that have shaped her life, unveiling the profound lessons she has gathered along the way. In Duty Calls, readers will learn about:

• Dr. Novello’s early life and her struggles with congenital megacolon
• Her medical school and internship experiences
• How she became the first female/first Hispanic Surgeon General of the United States
• Dr. Novello’s work as the New York State Commissioner of Health during 9/11
• Her efforts to vaccinate and provide health care resources to her home in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria
• Wisdom and insights Dr. Novello gained through her life experiences, as well as her advice for the next generation (and everyone else!)

Dr. Antonia Coello Novello was born in Fajardo, Puerto Rico. She graduated from the University of Puerto Rico with a B.S. and an M.D. She completed her residency/internship in pediatrics atUniversity of Michigan, and a fellowship in pediatric nephrology at the University of Michiganand Georgetown University. Also, she received a Master’ s and a Doctor of Public Health from Johns Hopkins University. On 1990, Dr. Antonia Novello was sworn as the 14th Surgeon General of the U.S. Public Health Service, and became the first woman and the first Hispanic ever to hold this position. Jill S. Tietjen, PE, is an author, international speaker, and an electrical engineer. After more than 45 years in the electric utility industry, her professional focus is now on women’ s advocacy, worldwide. A former blogger for The Huffington Post, she speaks internationally on the accomplishments of women, nominates women for awards, and continues to write books (12 published to date), following in the footsteps of her bestselling and award-winning books.