President Obama has officially nominated Dr. Regina Benjamin of Alabama to serve as U.S. Surgeon General pending Senate confirmation. President O. made the official announcement in the Rose Garden late this morning. Dr. Benjamin is also the first black woman to become president of the state medical society of Alabama.President Obama has officially nominated Dr. Regina Benjamin of Alabama to serve as U.S. Surgeon General pending Senate confirmation. President O. made the official announcement in the Rose Garden late this morning. Dr. Benjamin is also the first black woman to become president of the state medical society of Alabama.