Pennsylvania has a new Physician General. And the decision to confirm Dr. Rachel Levine, a transgender woman, has made history.

The Pennsylvania Senate voted 49-0 Tuesday to confirm Levine as the state's physician general -- making her the highest ranked out transgender person ever to serve in Pennsylvania government.

"I am very excited and I am thrilled to be confirmed by the Senate," Levine said. "Very excited."

READ:

READ:

Throughout the confirmation process, Levine never sought attention nor hid from her decision to transition from a man to a woman about 10 years ago. The confirmation relied solely on her qualifications and medical experience.

"I think it's important to emphasize that I was not nominated to this position by Gov. Wolf or confirmed by the Senate because I am a transgender woman," Levine said.

"Gov. Wolf didn't shy away from nominating me because I am an openly transgender woman and the Senate confirmed me. That is based solely on my professional qualifications."

LGBT advocates and supporters say that's exactly how the process is supposed to work.

"I would want Pennsylvanians to understand that she's not there to represent the LGBT community," said Joanne Carroll, president of TransCentral PA and a transwoman. "She's there to look after the health of all Pennsylvanians regardless of their lot in life may be."

Qualified candidate

Levine is a graduate of Harvard College and Tulane University School of Medicine. She received pediatrics training at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York, where she practiced from 1988 to 1993.

Later, Levine said she became interested in the intersection of medical, mental and behavioral.

Most recently, Levine served as the chief of the Division of Adolescent Medicine and Eating Disorders and vice chairwoman for Clinical Affairs for the Department of Pediatrics at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.

"Rachel is a friend of mine. We've known eachother for the better part of 15 years," Carroll said. "She's an amazing individual, loving and caring parent and spouse and friend. And she's an amazing doctor. With all those things put together she couldn't be a better choice in my mind."

Gov. Tom Wolf has made it clear that he chose Levine to become the physician general because of her qualifications and medical expertise.

Ted Martin, executive director of Equality Pennsylvania, said Levine is nationally recognized for her expertise her fields. Levine is intelligent woman who will serve the state honorably, he said.

"She is an excellent physician," Martin said. "This was a good nomination. This is a highly qualified and smart person. That has to be said first and foremost."

A symbol of pride

Though her qualifications are the most important aspect of her confirmation, Martin noted that the fact that Levine is transgender is a big deal for the LGBT community.

"We can't miss the fact that it's incredibly historic," Martin said. "A qualified person and a person from the [LGBT] community marrying up in one person is a remarkable step forward. I think it's good for everyone."

While her confirmation is a professional achievement, Levine said she's excited that it will enable her to help those in the LGBT community.

"I am very pleased to serve as a mentor and a role model for LGBT individuals," Levine said.

Carroll said the trans community is excited and proud to have someone like Levine serve in such of a high position in state government. Having Levine in this position creates an awareness and acceptance of transgender people, she said.

"It goes to show that we're normal people trying to live a life that makes sense for us and, hopefully, makes sense for other people," Carroll said.