Current:Home > ContactFirst Black female NYPD police surgeon sworn in -Trailblazer Capital Learning
First Black female NYPD police surgeon sworn in
View
Date:2025-04-17 19:09:44
Dr. Lynn O’Connor is now the first Black female police surgeon for the New York Police Department (NYPD) after being sworn in on Monday.
"This is incredibly [meaningful] to me," she told "GMA3" in an exclusive interview prior to her swearing in ceremony. "If you would have told me at 10 years of age that I'd be sitting here speaking with you, and soon to be sworn in as the first Black female police surgeon for the NYPD, I wouldn't believe it."
O’Connor also serves as the chief of colon and rectal surgery at Mercy Medical Center and St. Joseph Hospital. In her new role at the NYPD, she will determine officers’ fitness for duty, treat injured members and provide them with consultations.
MORE: Keechant Sewell becomes 1st woman NYPD police commissioner
Speaking of her experience as a doctor working with police officers, O’Connor said officers spend so much time taking care of others that they don’t have as much time to care for themselves.
"With my background in this position, I am uniquely positioned to develop colorectal cancer awareness programs, screening programs and various other initiatives that are going to be key in keeping our officers safe, and keeping them healthy and keeping them fit for service," she said.
NYPD Chief of Personnel John Benoit said in a statement that "We’re very excited about this historical appointment of the first Black female police surgeon in the department’s 178-year history."
"Dr. O’Connor is an inspiration to all employees, and her expertise will prove to be valuable to our members – especially those who have been impacted by colorectal cancer," he continued.
MORE: At-home stool tests for colorectal cancer screening are rising in popularity, but are they right for you?
O’Connor noted that there are not a lot of Black physicians in the country and underscored the need for them.
"Studies have shown when a patient is treated with a physician that is of the same race or ethnicity, they have markedly improved outcomes," O'Connor said. "They're diagnosed quicker, they're seen quicker, their overall health is improved. And that leads to saving lives, that leads to longevity, which is what I want to do when we get into the NYPD."
To all the young girls watching her, O’Connor said she wants them to know they're enough and they and their goals matter.
"You can be what you can't see," she said. "Perseverance pays off."
ABC News’ Jessica Yankelunas and Jessica Hornig contributed to this report.
veryGood! (4292)
Related
- EU countries double down on a halt to Syrian asylum claims but will not yet send people back
- Madonna announces rescheduled Celebration Tour dates after hospital stay in ICU
- Former NFL running back Alex Collins dies in Florida motorcycle crash, authorities say
- England vs. Australia live updates: How 2 late goals sent Lionesses to World Cup final
- IRS recovers $4.7 billion in back taxes and braces for cuts with Trump and GOP in power
- Dominican firefighters find more bodies as they fight blaze from this week’s explosion; 13 killed
- Rebates are landing in the bank accounts of Minnesota taxpayers and paper checks are coming soon
- Cole Sprouse Details Death Threats, Nasty, Honestly Criminal Stuff He's Received Amid Riverdale
- Trump's 'stop
- Trouble in paradise? AP data analysis shows fires, other disasters are increasing in Hawaii
Ranking
- McConnell absent from Senate on Thursday as he recovers from fall in Capitol
- The CDC works to overhaul lab operations after COVID test flop
- Beat the Heat and Maximize Your Fun With Chloe Fineman’s Summer Essentials
- Texas Woman Awarded $1.2 Billion After Ex-Boyfriend Shared Intimate Images Online Without Her Consent
- The 401(k) millionaires club keeps growing. We'll tell you how to join.
- Lionel Messi, Inter Miami cruise past Philadelphia Union, reach Leagues Cup final
- You're not imagining it: Here's why Halloween stuff is out earlier each year.
- Michigan State University plans to sell alcohol at four home football games
Recommendation
The Best Stocking Stuffers Under $25
Chick-fil-A debuting new Honey Pepper Pimento Chicken Sandwich, Caramel Crumble milkshake
Ada Deer, influential Native American leader from Wisconsin, dies at 88
I Tried a $10 Makeup Melting Cleanser That Olivia Culpo Recommended and It’s a Total Game-Changer
Residents worried after ceiling cracks appear following reroofing works at Jalan Tenaga HDB blocks
Venus Williams, Caroline Wozniacki receive wild cards for 2023 US Open
NASA moving toward Artemis II liftoff, but program's future remains uncertain
Don't believe his book title: For humorist R. Eric Thomas, the best is yet to come