First posted 12/11/2008 2:41 p.m.
River Forest resident and Chicago neurosurgeon Gail Rosseau is reportedly on a short list of candidates to become the next U.S. surgeon general.
Rosseau, 52, one of 300 female neurosurgeons in the United States, is chief of surgery at the Neurologic and Orthopedic Institute and an assistant professor of neurosurgery at Rush University Medical Center.
While she hadn’t considered any further formal role in Obama’s administration, she said she is “delighted” at the possibility of being selected surgeon general.
“I’m extremely flattered I’m being considered,” she said Wednesday, adding that she has no idea who else is being considered, if anyone.
“I’m being [vetted] so I guess I’m on a short list.”
An early supporter of Barack Obama’s presidential bid, she first got to know the president-elect at a 2003 fundraiser for his U.S. Senate campaign which she hosted in her River Forest home. Throughout both the primary and general presidential election seasons, she frequently served as an Obama surrogate at campaign rallies, speaking on health-related issues.
Before becoming a doctor, Rosseau practiced as a medical surgical nurse. A board certified neurosurgeon, she has practiced neurological surgery for the past 16 years, and currently holds appointments at a university medical center, a community hospital and a surgical specialty hospital.
State Senator Don Harmon, who has worked with the Rosseaus on political issues the past six years, said she would be “a great advocate for President Obama and the medical community and for public health.
“I think Gail Rosseau would be an excellent pick for surgeon general. She’s well regarded in the medical community, and has a keen appreciation for, and interest in, public policy.”
Rosseau said she would relish the opportunity to advance Obama’s public health agenda. A highly energetic and engaged person, she believes in Obama’s vision for the country generally and specifically.
“I’m uniquely committed to this vision for America’s health,” she said. Noting that the role of the surgeon general is to advocate for public health issues, she said, “These are all things I’ve been doing anyway.”
Rosseau called public health an issue that should top every physician’s agenda. “Public health should always be your second specialty,” she said, “no matter what your first specialty is.”
Asked when she might know of a decision on any appointment, she replied, “I’ve heard two timelines-soon and sooner.”
Wednesday Journal will update this story online as it develops.