A transgender physician will soon become Pennsylvania's new physician general, the
Washington Blade reported.
Dr. Rachel Levine, an expert in adolescent eating disorders and behavior health, was nominated for the Commonwealth's highest medical post by progressive Gov. Tom Wolf.
She made her transition from man to woman five years ago, and with her appointment will become "the highest-ranking transgender person to ever hold a position within state government," the Blade said.
Levine graduated from Harvard College and Tulane University Medical School, and has practiced pediatrics and psychiatry for about three decades,
PennLive reported. She has been a physician at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center since 1996 and also serves as a professor of pediatrics and psychiatry at the Penn State College of Medicine, the website site.
The governor's spokesman said Levine was chosen because of her expertise, not because she is transgender,
The American Mirror reported.
"Dr. Rachel Levine is well-respected in the fields of pediatrics, psychiatry, and behavioral health, where she has practiced for close to three decades," the governor said in statement about her selection.
He added: "She has been a leading voice in efforts to treat teens with medical and psychological problems, as well as adults and children with eating disorders. It is important to me that we place equal emphasis on behavioral and physical health issues."
Levine told the Blade that her colleagues accepted her when she decided to go public with her transition.
"My medical interests are where medical issues relate to mental health and behavioral issues," Levine told the Blade.
"Your mind and body are connected. Where that interface is, where that intersection is, is my particular interest and expertise."