As we mark Black History Month, we honor the achievements and contributions of Black individuals throughout history. This month serves as a reminder to celebrate diversity, promote equality, and educate ourselves on the rich and diverse heritage of the Black community. Join us in commemorating Black History Month and acknowledging the valuable impact of Black leaders, innovators, and changemakers.

As a college that has a strong focus on healthcare programs, we’d like to inspire you with the contributions of Black medical pioneers to the field.

Black Medical Pioneers

Black medical pioneers made significant contributions to the field of medicine, broke barriers, and advanced healthcare for all. Read on to learn more about several notable individuals in the field of medicine.

1. James McCune Smith, M.D. (1813–1865): He became the first Black American to practice in the United States with a medical degree and was a prominent abolitionist and author. He received his M.D. at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Back in the United States, he also became the first Black American to run a pharmacy in the nation. Read more.
2. Rebecca Lee Crumpler, M.D. (1831–1895): She became the first Black woman in the United States to receive an MD degree and published a book, “A Book of Medical Discourses,” in 1883. Read more.
3. Marilyn Hughes Gaston, M.D. (b. 1939): She authored a groundbreaking study on the treatment of sickle cell disease and became the first woman and first Black woman to direct a public health service bureau, focusing on improving access to healthcare for underserved and minority communities. Read more.
4. Vivian Pinn, M.D. (b. 1941): She opened the Provident Hospital and Training School for Nurses in Chicago, the first Black-owned and first interracial hospital in the United States. Read more. 
5. Daniel Hale Williams, M.D. (1856–1931): He was a pioneering surgeon who performed one of the world’s first successful heart surgeries and founded the first Black-owned interracial hospital, Provident Hospital. Read more.

Let’s take this opportunity to reflect on the past, recognize the present, and work towards a more inclusive future.

See more Black History Month resources on our Libguides page, here.

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