Eleanor Mariano

Eleanor Mariano

Eleanor Concepcion "Connie" Mariano (born 1957) is a retired United States Navy rear admiral and a former White House Physician. She was the first military woman to become the White House Physician to the President, the first woman Director of the White House Medical Unit, and the first Filipino American in U.S. history to become a Navy rear admiral.

Early Life and Education

Eleanor Mariano was born in the Philippines and immigrated to the United States with her family when she was a child. She grew up in California and attended San Diego State University, where she earned her bachelor's degree in biology in 1977. She then attended the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS) in Bethesda, Maryland, where she earned her Doctor of Medicine degree in 1981.

Military Career

After completing her medical degree, Mariano joined the United States Navy and began her career as a general practitioner. She served in various capacities, including as a medical officer aboard the USS Prairie (AD-15). In 1991, she was selected to serve as the White House Physician under President George H. W. Bush. She continued in this role under President Bill Clinton and President George W. Bush.

In 1994, Mariano was appointed as the Director of the White House Medical Unit, making her the first woman to hold this position. She was promoted to the rank of rear admiral in 2000, becoming the first Filipino American to achieve this rank in the U.S. Navy.

Post-Military Career

After retiring from the Navy in 2001, Mariano founded the Center for Executive Medicine, a private medical practice in Scottsdale, Arizona, specializing in the care of executives and their families. She has also been a frequent speaker on topics related to health care, leadership, and her experiences in the White House.

Awards and Honors

Throughout her career, Mariano has received numerous awards and honors, including the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Navy Commendation Medal. She has also been recognized by various Filipino American organizations for her contributions to the community.

Personal Life

Mariano is married and has two children. She continues to be active in various professional and community organizations.

See Also

• White House Physician
• United States Navy
• Filipino Americans
• Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences