February is Black History Month. Rebecca Lee Crumpler, (February 8, 1831 – March 9, 1895), was an African-American physician and author. She was the first African-American woman to become a doctor in the United States (1864). After her graduation from medical school, she wrote a reference book, A Book of Medical Discourses. She was the only female physician to be published in the 19th century. She accomplished both at time when very few African Americans were allowed to attend medical school or publish books. She first practiced medicine serving poor women and children in Boston and relocated to Richmond, Virginia after the civil war “to continue her focus on diseases of women and children” providing medical care to freed slaves notwithstanding "intense racism" and sexism.
One of the first medical societies for African-American women, was named in her honor … The Rebecca Lee Society. At Syracuse University (my law school alma mater) there is a pre-health club named "The Rebecca Lee Pre-Health Society" that encourages people with diverse backgrounds "to get involved with health professional schools", making available medical practice mentoring, a variety of workshops, and all kinds of resources to facilitate minority success in the medical field.
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