“One can easily be impressed by the accolades and awards that a person has gathered through the years. I am certainly fascinated by Dr. Novello’s accomplishments and trajectory from Puerto Rico to United States Surgeon General. But what truly touches my heart and deeply impresses me is to see how a human being cares for another human being in a time of need—a time when that other human being may be losing a battle to cancer and saying their last goodbyes, last words, last wishes. I was mesmerized to see Dr. Toni Novello taking care of her former husband, Dr. Joe Novello, as he was battling brain cancer. It was beautiful to see how Toni cared for him, and it reinforced in me the beauty of humanity. Thank you, Toni, for giving me this gift to witness the beauty of humanity. Reading this book allows me to dream of a better world.”
– Dr. Q—Alfredo Quiñones-Hinojosa, MD, FAANS, FACS, William J. and Charles H. Mayo Professor, Monica Flynn Jacoby Endowed Chair, Neurologic Surgery Chair, James C. and Sarah K. Kennedy Dean of Research, Mayo Clinic
“Duty Calls demonstrates that Dr. Antonia Novello’s legacy of leadership is built upon her unwavering commitment to serve those in need, regardless of her position or title. Her actions during Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico stand as a testament to her tenacity and ability to motivate and mobilize those around her. Through her selfless dedication, she inspired her Angels to move mountains when hope seemed lost, leaving a lasting impact on those she served and the world around her.””
– Maria Fernanda Levis-Peralta, MPH, MPA, PCMH-CCE,
CEO, Impactivo Consulting
“Duty Calls underscores Dr. Novello’s strong character, high principles, and extraordinary compassion, even as she pioneered in so many areas. She is a champion of the underprivileged, sympathetic to the needs of all Americans, a sensitive and diplomatic public servant. She was successful because she did not care who got the credit, so long as the proper thing was done.”
– Rabbi Abraham Blum, New York State Chaplain; Chief, Westchester County Chaplain Office; Special Assistant, Commissioner of the Department of Correction, State of New York; Advisory Committee, Central Rabbinical Congress of the United States and Canada
“A rare trailblazer in the world of public health, Dr. Antonia Novello’s life of commitment and public service, as documented in Duty Calls, is nothing short of groundbreaking and inspirational.”
– Chaine Sternburgh, CEO, Refuah Health Center
“My respect and admiration for Dr. Novello, which began when she was working on her doctorate at Johns Hopkins University, has been amplified by reading about the many obstacles she has overcome during her life and career. I was inspired by Duty Calls—and you will be, too!”
– Alfred Sommer, MD, Dean Emeritus, Professor Emeritus, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University
“Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm said, ‘Service is the rent you pay for living.’ Service has defined Dr. Novello’s life and career, as she writes in Duty Calls. It is a must-read book for every reader, novice or experienced, wanting to learn what public service is all about.”
– Major General Jose J. Reyes, Adjutant General, Puerto Rico
“Dr. Novello’s service as a humanitarian has been memorialized through the Dr. Antonia Novello Humanitarian Medallion of the United States Hispanic Leadership Institute. I am so indebted to her for saving my life, and I am thrilled to recommend her book for all to understand how she embodies humanitarianism of the highest order.”
– Juan Andrade, President, United States Hispanic Leadership Institute
“I was privileged to witness Dr. Novello perform admirably as a humble servant when no one was looking and there was very little to be gained. How someone performs in these circumstances reveals their true character and greatness. I hope you will read and be inspired by the story of this remarkable woman!”
– Robert Paeglow, MD, Founder, President, and Medical Director, Koinonia Primary Care
“How fascinating to read Duty Calls to find out the real story of this outstanding Puerto Rican pediatrician and leader in the health-care industry.”
– Norman Maldonado, MD, Chancellor, Medical Campus of the University of Puerto Rico; President, University of Puerto Rico, 1993–2001
“As Dr. Novello’s patient at the University of Michigan in the early 1970s, I so admire her dedication, commitment, and drive that come through so clearly in Duty Calls.”
– Patrick Roush, President and Creative Director, Roush Specialty Services
“Dr. Novello’s commitment to public service is evidenced clearly in Duty Calls, along with many anecdotes that will delight its readers for their uniqueness and wisdom.”
– Sila M. Calderón, Chief of Staff to the Governor of Puerto Rico, 1985–1990; Secretary of State [Puerto Rico], 1988–1990; Mayor of San Juan, 1997–2000; Governor of Puerto Rico, 2001–2004; Chair of the Board of the Center of Puerto Rico/Sila M. Calderón Foundation
“Since [Dr. Novello] was the first woman and first Hispanic to become Surgeon General of the United States, this book is long overdue. Dr. Novello has proven that she cares about medicine, public health, and America. In Duty Calls, this outstanding physician, scientist, and public health leader demonstrates clearly her commitment to service and the health of all members of the public. The reader will be informed and inspired.”
– David Satcher, MD, PhD, 16th Surgeon General of the United States, 10th Assistant Secretary for Health in the Department of Health and Human Services, former Director of the Centers for Disease Control, Administrator of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry,
and Founding Director and Senior Advisor, Satcher Health Leadership Institute, Morehouse School of Medicine
“This is a deeply personal story that lays it all out, both good and bad. Through her frank revelation, we are allowed to see into the heart and mind of a truly remarkable woman, physician, and public servant. It’s not just a story of glamorous achievements and recognitions, but a story that page by page shows us the essence of a life well lived through all of its challenges, obstacles, tragedy, and high-level achievements many of us may never know. At its core, this book focuses on the guiding life principles and heart of the author. They are wonderfully displayed as the story unfolds and underscore what’s behind the strength, resilience, and determined service of our friend and colleague Antonia Novello. Thank you, Antonia, for helping us learn from you as we also strive to be better servants and live meaningful, purpose-filled lives.”
– John Zubialde, MD, Executive Dean, College of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
