Regina Benjamin 18th Surgeon General of the United States In office November 3, 2009 – July 16, 2013 President Barack Obama Preceded by Donald Weaver (Acting) Succeeded by Boris Lushniak (Acting) Personal details Born October 26, 1956 (age 60) Mobile, Alabama, U.S. Alma mater Xavier University, Louisiana Morehouse College University of Alabama, Birmingham Tulane University Religion Roman Catholicism[1] Awards USPHS Regular Corps Ribbon Military service Allegiance United States Service/branch Public Health Service Years of service 2009–2013 Rank Vice Admiral Unit USPHS Commissioned Corps