Medicine & Black History

Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler was the first African American woman doctor in the United States, graduating from New England Female Medical College in 1864, having received her medical degree. At the time, she was not only the first African American to graduate from this college, but also the only woman to graduate from this college.

Quick facts about Dr. Crumpler:

• Born in Delaware in 1831, but raised in Pennsylvania by an Aunt who was a nurse.

• Dr. Crumpler spent at least 8 years working as a nurse prior to entering medical school.

• Post civil war - Along with other black physicians, she cared for freed slaves through the Freedmen's Bureau & other missionary groups.

• Her book entitled, Book of Medical Discourses, published in 1883, addresses the medical disparities experienced by women and children due to their race. It’s one of the first medical publications written by an African American.

• No known pictures exist of Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler.

• Dr. Crumpler died in 1895 at 64 years old.

I loved learning about Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler, not only because she faced adversity and discrimination to pave the way for me to become a doctor, but because my middle name is “Lee” also! I need to try and find her book so that I can have that amazing piece of history!

Have any of you heard of Dr. Crumpler or read her book?