Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler M.D. (1831-1896) the first African American woman to become a licensed medical physician. She was born in Delaware and in 1852 moved to Charlestown, MA. Dr. Crumpler worked as a nurse for eight years prior to attending medical school.
Dr. Crumpler challenged the injustice that prevented black Americas and women from pursuing careers in medicine and was admitted to the New England Female Medical College in 1860. After graduating medical school four years later she moved to Richmond, Virginia and provided medical care to freed slaves. Dr. Crumpler dedicated her life to understanding diseases that particularly afflicted women and children.
Later she returned to Boston and opened her own clinic. Her practice mainly treated poverty-stricken patients who did not have the ability to pay or otherwise get proper care.
In addition to her history record achievement as being the first black woman MD in the U.S. Dr. Crumpler’s book called Book of Medical Discourses published in 1883 is one of the first medical publications by an African American. The book gave medical advice to women and children regarding their families. In the book Dr. Crumpler also gives a brief summary of her career path and the reason she devoted her time to helping black people in need.
In 1989, an organization supporting black women physicians was formed and called the Rebecca Lee Society. The organization was originally founded by two black women physicians, Dr. Saundra Maass-Robinson, M.D. and Dr. Patricia Whitley, M.D and now serves within the Black Physician Network as a resource and provides scholarships. Through her pioneering triumphs, Dr. Crumpler continues to be honored to this day and is still an inspiration for youth and black women in medicine.
Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler, a history maker in medicine and medical publications.
Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler, a history maker in medicine and medical publications.
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