7 Black Women Who Made Medical History

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The medical field has been historically dominated by white men, so when a woman of color makes a name for herself in the field, it’s a true testament to her devotion to improving healthcare. Black women don’t only face the standard challenges of working in medicine, but deal, additionally, with racism, sexism and the constant questioning of their worthiness in the healthcare industry.

There have been incredible women throughout history who felt so passionate about improving healthcare for all, that they persisted, in spite of these obstacles. Today, we celebrate seven incredible Black women who have made medical history.

Jocelyn Elders

Born 1933

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Jocelyn Elders is an amazing story of persistence. In spite of growing up in one of the poorest regions of Arkansas, she made her way into medical school. She was inspired after seeing a speech by Edith Irby Jones, the first Black person to be accepted as a non-segregated student at the University of Arkansas Medical School.

After completing school at UAMS Medical Center, Elders worked as head of the Arkansas Department of Health for some time. In 1993, President Bill Clinton appointed her to the position of U.S. Surgeon General, making her the first Black woman to ever take that title. Elders was known for taking on important topics that were taboo for her time, like providing contraception in schools and human sexuality.

Dr. Jane C. Wright, MD.

1919 to 2013

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Dr. Jane C. Wright, MD made major advancements in the research and treatment of cancer patients. In 1949, she worked at the Cancer Research Foundation at Harlem Hospital, where she performed trials on leukemia and cancer patients.

She would eventually become the director of cancer chemotherapy at NYU Medical Center, and later the head of the cancer chemotherapy department and associate dean at New York Medical College. This made her the highest-ranked Black woman at a renowned medical institution during her lifetime.

Dr. Patricia Bath

1942 to 2019

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Patricia Bath devoted her life to fighting blindness. She was the first Black person to complete an ophthalmology residency at the New York University’s School of Medicine, and she was the first female faculty member at the UCLA School of Medicine’s ophthalmology department.

Dr. Bath later founded the American Institute for the Prevention of Blindness. But her biggest claim to fame came when she invented the Laserphaco probe in 1986, which was used to treat cataracts. Through this invention, Dr. Bath became the first Black woman to receive a patent for a medical device.

Rebecca Crumpler

1831 to 1895

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Dr. Rebecca Crumpler became the first Black woman to receive an MD, in 1864. Not much is known about her, but it’s been said she was inspired to go into healthcare by her aunt, who spent most of her life helping the sick.

Crumper was the only Black woman to graduate from the New England Female Medical College. After graduating, Crumpler dedicated many years to missionary work, and treated freed slaves after the Civil War who would have otherwise had no access to healthcare. She additionally wrote a book on women’s and children’s health, making her the first Black woman to publish a medical book.

Dr. Mae Jemison

Born 1956

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Most know Dr. Mae Jemison for being the first Black woman to go into space, but she was also deeply devoted to fighting healthcare inequities. In the 1980s, she spent some time working in the Peace Corps as a medical officer in Africa, where she became passionate about providing better healthcare to third-world countries.

Through her work as an astronaut, Dr. Jemison learned how to use telecommunication systems, which she’d eventually use to improve healthcare delivery to underserved countries.

Michelle Obama

Born 1964

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During her time as First Lady, Michelle Obama dedicated tremendous time and resources to fighting the childhood obesity epidemic in the U.S. Her Let’s Move initiative was designed to promote better eating and exercise habits among children. She also was part of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act, which called for healthier lunches in schools and funded meals for children whose families could not afford them. She’s currently working with First Lady Jill Biden on their Joining Forces program, which provides health services to veterans, as well as their families.

Dr. Marilyn Hughes Gaston

Born 1939

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Dr. Marilyn Hughes Gaston has been championing for better healthcare access for poor and minority communities for much of her career. However, her most notable work has been in sickle-cell disease. In 1986, Dr. Gaston did a study on the disease that would ultimately lead to a screening test for sickle cell in infants, and early treatment.

Dr. Gaston was also the first Black woman to be a director of public health services at the Bureau of Primary Health Care in the United States Department of Health and Human Services.