Dr. Rachel Levine is sworn in as the nation’s first transgender four-star officer

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Dr. Rachel Levine testifies before the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions committee on Capitol Hill in Washington in February. Levine was appointed to lead the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, becoming the nation’s first openly transgender four-star officer.

Caroline Brehman/AP

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Caroline Brehman/AP

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In her new role, Levine will lead a team of more than 6,000 people who respond to public health crises and natural disasters.

I am deeply honored & grateful to join the ranks of men & women across this great nation who have committed to defend the United States against small & large threats, known and unknown. I promise to uphold that trust to the fullest extent of my abilities. https://t.co/ryfwRqbAoz

— ADM Rachel Levine (@HHS_ASH) October 19, 2021

«This is a momentous occasion, and I am honored to take this role for the impact I can make and for the historic nature of what it symbolizes,» Levine said during her speech at the ceremony.

Levine, who serves as the nation’s 17th assistant secretary of health, focuses on improving the health and well-being of individuals across the country — specifically working to help the U.S. overcome the COVID-19 pandemic.

Before becoming a federal official, Levine served as Pennsylvania’s health secretary, highlighting several public health issues across the commonwealth: the opioid epidemic, maternal health and immunization rates among children.

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She says her career has given her the chance to serve.

«First in academic medicine, to then serve my patients and students, then to serve in public health in Pennsylvania and even in Washington, D.C., as the assistant secretary for Health. Now with this role, this is just a further extension of that,» Levine said.

HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra described Levine’s appointment as a «giant step» forward toward equality in the U.S.

«This is a proud moment for us at HHS. Admiral Levine is a cherished and critical partner in our work to build a healthier America,» Becerra said in a release.

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One of the eight uniformed services, the Public Health Service Commissioned Corps is dedicated to protecting, promoting and advancing public health in the U.S., HHS said.