Trailblazers of Black Medicine: Honoring the Past & Inspiring the Future"
It’s important for us to remember while we Reimagine what equity looks like in medicine, that Black people have always been at the forefront of caring for our community and in-fact all of humanity. Despite the challenging circumstances, this is who we’ve always been. Black History Month is a time to remember and celebrate the contributions of Black people to this nation and to humanity and the field of medicine is full of examples. These trailblazers have paved the way for future generations of aspiring Black doctors and have inspired us at MedReimagined to continue our mission of helping Black and brown students reach their full potential in the medical field.
One of the most notable trailblazers in Black medicine is Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler. She graduated from the New England Female Medical College in 1864 making her the the first African American woman to receive a medical degree in the United States. She was refused admission to many medical schools beforehand, and afterwards many males in her field refused to honor her prescriptions or follow her medical advice. Nevertheless, Dr. Crumpler served poor women in the Boston area, persevered and went on to write the first medical book by an African American, "Book of Medical Discourses." Her groundbreaking contributions to the field of pediatric and maternal medicine inspired future generations of Black women to pursue careers in medicine and break down barriers in the industry.
Another trailblazer in Black medicine is Dr. Charles Drew, who revolutionized the field of blood transfusions and became one of the most renowned surgeons of his time. Despite facing discrimination and being forced to work in segregated hospitals, Dr. Drew went on to develop innovative techniques for preserving blood plasma and was instrumental in establishing the first large-scale blood bank in the United States. His legacy continues to inspire Black students today to pursue careers in medicine and make their own contributions to the field.
Dr. Daniel Hale Williams was a pioneering heart surgeon and hospital operator. In 1891 Dr. Hale founded Provident Hospital in Chicago the first black-operated and owned hospital in the nation. Provident was renown for it surgical success rate and importantly was the first medical facility to have an interracial staff, was the first non-segregated hospital in the United States, and the first training facility for the African-American nurses in the U.S. It was there that Dr. Hale performed one of the first successful open-heart surgeries in 1893.
At MedReimagined, we honor the legacy of these trailblazing Black physicians and hope to provide aspiring Black and brown students with the resources and opportunities they need to succeed in the medical field. Our Virtual & Hybrid Summer Biomedical Bootcamp offers students the chance to experience a medical school-style curriculum taught by expert MedReimagined Instructors and Black medical professionals. Our program is designed to help students develop their skills and confidence as they work towards their goal of becoming a doctor.
As we celebrate Black History Month, we want to encourage our students and all aspiring Black and brown doctors to continue pushing forward and pursuing their dreams. With hard work and dedication, you can follow in the footsteps of the trailblazing Black physicians who have come before you and make your own impact on the medical industry.
So don't wait, sign up for our Virtual & Hybrid Summer Biomedical Bootcamp today and take the first step towards your future in medicine! Let's continue to honor the past and inspire the future together.
