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CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Celebrate Black History Month with Thieme as we honor Black American medical
pioneers. Throughout the month of February, we will highlight several Black
Americans who made medical history along with spotlighting different Black
Americans in medicine to learn more about their thoughts on Black History month
and pursuing a career in medicine. We at Thieme are excited for this opportunity
to pay tribute to the diversity in our community and we welcome you again to
join us on this journey! 




THIEME SPOTLIGHT


TITO ONYEKWELI

Tito Onyekweli is a fourth-year medical student at the University of Pittsburgh
with a background in environmental sciences. He initially worked as a wastewater
engineer, volunteered on a Zika Emergency Response Team, and pursued a research
fellowship at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) before medical school.
During his medical studies, Tito led his class in creating an oath, gained
national recognition for his efforts, and contributed to curriculum reform at
Pitt Med. He is conducting research on student attitudes regarding racism in
medicine and designed a course on neurological pathologies. Tito aims to
specialize in dermatology, focusing on complex cases during the transition from
pediatric to adult care while considering environmental factors in cutaneous
diseases. Outside of medicine, he is an adventure athlete, competing in mountain
biking and whitewater stand-up paddleboarding, and actively promotes outdoor
activities to diverse audiences.

Fun Fact: His backyard is an Audobon-certified backyard habitat. They practice
sustainable gardening to provide food, resources, and shelter for the animals
and insects that live in our area.

Read the full interview with Tito Onyekweli

1. What does Black History Month mean to you?

Black History Month serves as an opportunity to pay tribute to my forebears.
Throughout this month, I will place a significant emphasis on engaging with
media crafted by Black individuals for a Black audience. I will commemorate the
freedom and rights that my Black ancestors ardently fought for.

2. Why do you believe Black History Month is important?

I immigrated to the United States from Nigeria as a young child. As I have grown
older, I've noticed the gradual erosion of the cultures and traditions I
embraced in my childhood. This month serves as a catalyst for me to actively
engage with the rich and diverse contributions of Black individuals. By actively
participating in Black cultures, we safeguard against the risk of losing them
over time.

3. Who has served as an inspiration in your life? How?

Dr. Alaina James, a Black woman and dermatologist whom I met at the University
of Pittsburgh. I encountered her during my first year as a medical student when
she interviewed me for a scholarship. I was inspired by her dedication to
working in free clinics, educating trainees about racism in medicine, and her
research on environmental triggers for cutaneous diseases. She serves as a model
for what I aspire to achieve in my career in dermatology.

4. Why do you think it is important for the Black community to be represented in
the medical field?

There is a slim likelihood that I would have pursued medical school or entered
the field of dermatology without the guidance of Black physicians. Black
patients face an elevated risk of poor health outcomes due to biases in
healthcare. Inclusion and representation within the healthcare sector bring
forth alternative perspectives that ultimately contribute to the enhancement of
health outcomes.

5. What is your best piece of advice for young Black professionals who are
pursuing a career in the medical field?

Stay confident, nurture relationships, and develop a rich identity outside of
medicine. Especially for Black individuals, the path through medical training is
tumultuous. It is crucial to remain focused on your strengths and to remember
that you deserve to be here. This journey is too challenging and lengthy to
undertake alone, so recall your mentors and never hesitate to take on a mentee.
By cultivating a rich identity outside of medicine, your self-worth grows,
enabling you to be resilient in the face of the tribulations of training.

Read Tito Onyekweli’s full biography

Tito Onyekweli is a fourth-year medical student at University of Pittsburgh,
currently applying into dermatology. After graduating from the University of
Maryland, he spent his initial post-graduate years working as a wastewater
engineer on the Chesapeake Bay, where he volunteered on a Zika Emergency
Response Team. Fascinated with the interconnectedness between human health and
ecological systems, Tito changed his career trajectory and pursued a two-year
research fellowship at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Undiagnosed
Diseases Program prior to medical school where he studied rare in-born errors of
metabolism. In medical school, Tito has studied how teledermatology is equally
as effective in managing a variety of conditions as in-person consultations.

Tito demonstrated leadership from an early stage as he led his matriculating
class in creating an oath that established their professional identities as
changemakers, and allies of those historically underserved in medicine. Their
efforts garnered public acclaim by national news outlets, including the
Washington Post, NPR, and AMA.

He has made immense contributions to the Pitt Med curriculum by service to the
Curriculum Reform committee where he made recommendations and evaluated the
candidacy of faculty educators. Additionally, Tito is performing research to
understand how Pitt Med student attitudes changed following their participation
in a new course on Racism in Medicine. Further, Tito designed and coordinated a
ten-week course offering didactic and practical sessions exposing students to
neurological pathologies.

Tito hopes to focus on patients with complex dermatological conditions as they
transition from pediatric to adult care. Further, he hopes to combine his
background in the environmental sciences to better environmental contributors to
cutaneous disease.

Tito is an avid adventure athlete, competing in mountain biking, and whitewater
stand-up paddleboarding, events. He has been featured in a docuseries about
whitewater paddlers, written articles for paddling magazines, consulted with
paddling brands for product design and has twice been featured in the American
Whitewater calendar. Additionally, he works with outdoor organizations to expand
their reach to diverse audiences. He finds immense joy leading outdoor trips
with peers, paddle boarding, cycling, hiking, and skiing




JASON S. HAMILTON, M.D.

Jason S. Hamilton, M.D. is the Director of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive
Surgery at the Osborne Head and Neck Institute based at Cedar-Sinai Medical
Towers, Beverly Hills, California.  Dr. Hamilton is a double board certified
diplomate of both the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive
Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology / Head and Neck Surgery and a
Fellow of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. He
is the first elected Group Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion for the
American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and serves on the
Board of Directors. In addition to his extensive practice experience, Dr.
Hamilton has also held numerous teaching appointments, for which he has been
recognized for excellence in teaching. Dr. Hamilton is an Assistant Professor of
Surgery at UC Riverside School of Medicine. He has published over 70
peer-reviewed scientific articles and book chapters and speaks internationally
on topics related to facial plastic surgery.

Dr. Hamilton is an immigrant from Jamaica and the first in his family to become
a physician. He began his love of medicine at Duke University. He completed his
formal training with a prestigious fellowship in facial plastics and
reconstructive surgery awarded through the American Academy of Facial Plastics
and Reconstructive Surgery. This one-on-one training under internationally
renowned master plastic surgeons constitutes the finest training in plastic
surgery worldwide. Dr. Hamilton is particularly interested in ethnic
rhinoplasty, nasal reconstruction, and facial trauma surgery.  His clientele
includes professional athletes, entertainers, and media personalities, and he is
sought after internationally for his expertise. Dr. Hamilton also is involved in
humanitarian work providing pro bono surgical service on international missions
that have included Ethiopia, Belize, India, Peru, and Guatemala. In his private
life, he is happily married with four children and enjoys music, dogs, water
sports, and hiking. 

Interview with Jason S. Hamilton, M.D.

What does Black History Month mean to you?

Black History Month is necessary to honor those who achieved success when it was
nearly impossible to do so within the American landscape. It's a time for
remembrance, to honor debts already paid, and to re-dedicate ourselves to
excellence.

Why do you believe Black History Month is important?

In a culture with an unbroken lineage, it would be traditionally common for your
parents and grandparents—great grandparents to pass down stories of the past
throughout the families in an intact linear way. In Black American culture, the
lineage has been broken, and opportunities to pass down stories or even know the
true history is fleeting. Black History Month forces the memorialization of our
history. It makes us remember that it's essential to tell these stories so that
we can embrace the successes we've achieved, the struggles endured and overcome,
and our continued excellence and perseverance for achievement in the future.

Does Black American heritage influence your work? If so, how?

I am a Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. member, founded in 1911. There are
physicians among our fraternity's founders who believed in and displayed
excellence in their lives and careers. I can't imagine how difficult it was to
become a physician in 1911 in the United States of America. I honor my
forefathers by maintaining a higher level of excellence in my work, inspiring
the same in those who follow behind me, and dedicating myself to achievement in
my chosen field of human endeavor, medicine.

Why do you think it is important for people with Black American heritage to be
involved in the medical field?

It's critically important for people with Black American heritage to be involved
in medicine because it's been proven that Black Americans receive better
healthcare when seen by physicians who look like themselves. The percentage of
Black physicians must mirror that of the general population to ensure equality
in healthcare delivery throughout the country.

What is your best piece of advice for people with Black American heritage who
are pursuing a career in the medical field?

If you are a person of Black Heritage pursuing a career in medicine, it's
essential to reach out to members of your community that are already in careers
that you're interested in to help guide you early in your career path, even
before you decide to head to medical school. It is essential because there's a
high probability that you don't have a relative who is a physician with intimate
knowledge of how to navigate through the system and prepare for success. Your
ultimate goals are accomplished ultimately with mentorship and guidance instead
of plowing through with no help on your own. 

Connect with Dr. Hamilton

Follow Jason S. Hamilton, M.D. on IG: @drjasonhamilton
Connect with Jason S. Hamilton, M.D. on LinkedIn




GAURDIA BANISTER, PHD, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN

Gaurdia Banister, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN, is the executive director of
the Institute for Patient Care at Massachusetts General Hospital. Dr. Banister
has academic appointments at the Mass General Institute for Health Professions,
the William F. Connell School of Nursing at Boston College, and the College of
Nursing and Health Sciences at the University of Massachusetts Boston.

Prior to her work at Mass General, Dr. Banister served as senior vice president
for Patient Care Services and Chief Nurse at Providence Hospital, a metropolitan
community hospital in Washington, DC.

Dr. Banister received the American Nurses Association Mary Eliza Mahoney Award
and the Prism Award by the American Organization of the Nurse Executives for her
outstanding achievements and leadership in promoting the integration, retention
and advancement of minorities in nursing. She is also a fellow in the American
Academy of Nursing, a former Johnson & Johnson Wharton nurse fellow and an
alumna of the Robert Wood Johnson Executive Nurse Fellows Program.

Dr. Banister earned her BSN from the University of Wyoming, where she received
distinguished alumna awards from both the university and the Fay W. Whitney
School of Nursing. She earned her MSN and PhD from the University of Texas at
Austin, where she was also chosen as a distinguished alumna.

Interview with Gaurdia Banister

What does Black History Month mean to you?

I have a sense of pride and satisfaction as I, along with the larger society,
learn more about the achievements and contributions that Black Americans have
made in history and continue to make for the good of all people. Because of our
country's racial history, many of the contributions of Black Americans were
minimized and/or never told. So, Black History Month is one way to correct some
of the misconceptions about the contributions of Black Americans.

Why do you believe Black History Month is important?

As a nurse, for example, many of the contributions of Black Nurses to my nursing
profession are unknown. The contributions of Black nurses runs wide and deep and
not only helped shape nursing, but helped to rewrite laws, and confound
conventional wisdom regarding the abilities of African Americans. The many
contributions also included helping to set the stage for the civil rights and
women’s movements.

Does Black American heritage influence your work? If so, how?

Absolutely. For most of my life, I have been the "only one". For instance in my
undergraduate and most of the graduate school education, I was the only Black
nurse. This ignited my passion to ensure that diverse nurses entering the
profession of nursing feel supported, empowered and granted the opportunity to
excel in any role they chose. The diversity of values and experiences that
different groups bring to problems has proven to give better results.

Why do you think it is important for people with Black American heritage to be
involved in the medical field?

There are 28 million uninsured individuals, disproportionately represented by
minorities, and a nursing workforce that only includes 7% Black Nurses. Research
has shown that increasing the number of diverse registered nurses and others in
all health professions will better address the needs of highly vulnerable,
underserved populations and enhance the quality of care provided.

What is your best piece of advice for people with Black American heritage who
are pursuing a career in the medical field?

Stay focused to achieve your goals and seek mentors to help guide your thinking.
Now more that ever, we need your passion, talent, life experiences and
commitment. 

Connect with Guardia Banister

Connect with Gaurdia Banister on LinkedIn
Watch her University of Wyoming Nursing Alumna Video
Listen to a Podcast with Gaurdia: Why We Need More Diversity in Nursing





COURTENEY WIREDU

Courteney Wiredu is a senior at Princeton University, pursuing a B.A. in
Molecular Biology along with a certificate in Statistics and Machine Learning.
She is a Ghanaian-American who was born and raised in New Jersey. Throughout her
time at Princeton, she has held many leadership roles, including President of
the Princeton HighSteppers, Program Chair for the Princeton Student Events
Committee (PSEC), and Student Advisory Board Member for the Council on
Scienceand Technology. She is also a counselor for Camp Kesem Princeton, a
summer camp for children whose parents have cancer, as well as a member
Christian Union NOVA.

Courteney has also engaged in several research initiatives. On campus, she is a
member of the Cohen and Posfai Labs, where she is conducting wet-lab research on
the use of tardigrade cytosolic abundant heat soluble (CAHS) proteins to induce
desiccation tolerance in mouse embryonic stem cells. She has also conducted
research on science education for students with disabilities and/or gifted
students as part of a research group under the Council on Science and
Technology. Through this, she published an article on her research experience
entitled “Increasing Awareness of Inclusive STEM Education through a
College-Level Student Research Group” in the Journal of Science Education for
Students with Disabilities. Additionally, her research findings are in the
advanced stages of being published in two handbook chapters to guide science
educators and promote more opportunities in STEM for exceptional students.

Courteney participated in the Penn Access Summer Scholars (PASS) Program, which
enables undergraduates from underrepresented groups in medicine to conduct
research, receive mentorship, shadow physicians, and partake in enrichment
activities at Penn Medicine. Through this program, she conducted clinical
research on how cancer treatment affects the heart under her mentor Dr. Bonnie
Ky. She also published the article “Racial and Ethnic Disparities in
Cancer-AssociatedThrombosis” in the Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis
through this program.

She is heavily engaged in advocacy and volunteerism through serving as a Sunday
School teacher and youth mentor at First United Methodist Church of
Williamstown. She has also been serving meals to elderly and low-income families
through a local food pantry over the last ten years. Courteney has also received
several awards, including the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Good
Citizens Award for dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism (2019) and
the Richard C. Goodwin-Josiah DuBois HumanitarianAward for leadership and
community engagement (2018). Courteney plans to become a medical doctor to
diversify the medical field and treat underserved populations. She strives to
use her background, leadership and research experiences to improve health
outcomes for her community. 

Interview with Courteney Wiredu

What does Black History Month mean to you?

Black History Month is a time to celebrate diversity and inclusion, while
reflecting on the contributions and resilience of the Black community. It is a
time to remember the countless Black people who fought for freedom and rights in
America and around the world to pave a brighter future for subsequent
generations. It not only highlights the people and events that shaped the
progress of African Americans, but also the beauty of Black culture as a whole.

Why do you believe Black History Month is important?

Black History Month is an important reminder to reflect on and celebrate
American history through recognizing the contributions of African Americans to
all sectors of society. It is a time to showcase and educate while facilitating
understanding of the African American story. It is necessary to remember this
story to prevent repeating the past and undoing all the progress that countless
have died working towards. It is a time to focus on the continuing injustices
and challenges faced by the Black community in America and abroad. However, our
history is marked, but not defined, by these injustices. Black History Month
inspires African Americans and other people of color to chase opportunities that
would have been unimaginable in the past. It serves as extra motivation to keep
progressing in terms of equality and opportunities because although this country
has come a long way, there is still a long way to go.

Does Black American heritage influence your work? If so, how?

As an African American who is the daughter of Ghanaian immigrants, my
cross-cultural background does influence my work. Ghanaian culture is very
community-centered, with Ghanaiains treating everyone like family regardless of
whether they are related or not. This same value of community is predominant in
African American heritage. It inspires the way that I approach my current
endeavors, such as how I actively seek community through joining research
groups, and how I will approach medicine in the future: through treating each of
my patients with the same quality of care that I would provide for my own
family. My African American heritage reminds me of the struggle our forefathers
went through to get us where we are today. I am standing on the shoulders of
their sacrifices and have a commitment to advance their vision. This further
energizes me to have the drive and passion to give back to my community.

Why do you think it is important for people with Black American heritage to be
involved in the medical field?


I have witnessed firsthand the health disparities experienced by African
Americans. I spent my early life in a medically underserved area with a
predominantly minority population where there was a lack of quality healthcare
providers in or near the town. Additionally, through my clinical research on the
cardio-toxic effects of cancer therapy, I saw firsthand how the African American
community is often at higher risk for adverse heart events. These experiences
and countless more have crystalized for me the importance of diversifying the
medical field to include more African Americans. An extra motivation is the
disheartening statistic from the Association of American Medical Colleges that
only 5% of physicians are Black or African American even though this group
represents about 13% of the US population. Increasing the diversity of the
physician workforce will help reduce racial inequalities in healthcare and
improve doctor-patient cross-cultural challenges and encounters.

What is your best piece of advice for people with Black American heritage who
are pursuing a career in the medical field?

I would advise people with African American heritage looking to pursue a career
in medicine to actively seek mentors to support them along their medical
journey. My mentors have given me valuable insights into the expectations of the
medical field and have provided me with several professional opportunities.
Pursuing medicine is a call to service that requires sacrifices and a commitment
to the profession. Thus, having a support network is crucial for overcoming
challenges that you will encounter along the way and will keep you motivated in
spite of the underrepresentation of African Americans in this field. 

Featured Journal Article from Courteney Wiredu as published in Thrombosis and
Haemostasis

Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Cancer-Associated Thrombosis


Active malignancy increases the risk of developing venous thromboembolism (VTE)
by four- to seven-fold. The risk of VTE, including deep vein thrombosis and
pulmonary embolism, in patients with cancer varies based on several clinical
factors, such as cancer stage and age.

However, race and ethnicity are also associated with increased VTE risk. Black
(African American) patients with cancer have a higher risk of developing VTE
than White patients, while Asian/Pacific Islanders have a lower risk. 

Read the article
Subscribe
About the Journal




CARGILL H. ALLEYNE, JR., MD

Cargill H. Alleyne, Jr., MD is a board-certified neurosurgeon with a special
interest in the practice of cerebrovascular neurosurgery, endovascular
neurosurgery, skull base tumors, spine surgery, radiosurgery and general
neurosurgery.

Dr. Alleyne has been providing neurosurgical care for over 27 years, and
joined Piedmont Augusta back in 2018. Dr. Alleyne was the Marshall Allen
Distinguished Chairman of the Department of Neurosurgery at Medical College of
Georgia, Augusta University from 2007 to 2018, Residency Program Director from
2004 to 2018, and Associate Professor and Academic Vice-Chairman from 2004 to
2007. He completed his medical training at Yale University School of Medicine
(elected Alpha Omega Alpha), residency at Emory University and a fellowship in
cerebrovascular and skull base tumor surgery at the Barrow Neurological
Institute. He also obtained a fellowship in neuroendovascular surgery from
University of Rochester, NY, where he was also Assistant Professor from 1999 to
2003.

His honors include Castle Connolly’s “Top Doctors” and America’s “Best Doctors”,
America’s Top Surgeons, American Board of Neurological Surgeons examiner,
Exemplary Teaching Award (Medical College of Georgia, 2016-17 academic year),
Consultant of the year (from the MCG Department of Otolaryngology in 2017),
Global directory of Who’s Who, and Royal Dragonfly children’s book awards
(second place for “Bart’s Heart” in Fall 2015 and Honorable mention in Fall 2012
for “Ned’s Head”) among others.

As of November 2018 Dr. Alleyne’s bibliography included over 212 scholarly
contributions (including manuscripts, abstracts, posters, chapters and books)
and 206 invited lectures and visiting professorships. His professional
affiliations include the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, Congress
of Neurological Surgeons, Neurosurgical Society of America, and Society of
Neurological Surgeons, and the American Academy of Neurological Surgery. In
addition, he has served as President of the Georgia Neurosurgical Society,
Chairman of the Neurology/Neurosurgery section of the National Medical
Association, and Chairman of the Nominating Advisory Committee of the Society of
Neurological Surgery. In 2021 he was elected to a six-year term as a Director of
the American Board of Neurological Surgery.

Interview with Dr. Alleyne

What does Black History Month mean to you?

BHM was conceived in 1925 by Carter Woodson, a Harvard-trained historian.  It
was first celebrated in 1926 during a week of February which was the birthday
month of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass.  I believe it is a way to
remember the struggles, accomplishments and successes of our ancestors from the
African continent.  It is a way to acknowledge the rich, multiple and disparate
cultures that resulted from the African diaspora.

Why do you believe Black History Month is important?

I believe it is important for any group that has been historically marginalized
and/or disadvantaged to remember its heritage lest it be forgotten through the
passage of time.  This is especially critical to the development of the younger
generation who should take pride in their heritage.

Does Black American heritage influence your work? If so, how?

Yes and no. My heritage has little bearing on the day-to-day management of
patients of all ethnicities, however as black dually-trained vascular and skull
base tumor neurosurgeon (and one of the very few former black chairmen of
neurosurgery), I am always aware that I continue serve as a role model to a new
generation of young men and women who might not otherwise consider neurosurgery
as a career choice.

Why do you think it is important for people with Black American heritage to be
involved in the medical field?

Health care disparities are still prevalent in our society with African
Americans suffering a disproportionate risk of certain disorders such as stroke,
hypertension, diabetes, cancer and stroke. The reasons are varied but it is
clear that increasing the proportion of minority physicians in our communities
can only help to bridge the cultural divide and facilitate the dissemination of
sound medical and lifestyle advice to members of underserved communities.

What is your best piece of advice for people with Black American heritage who
are pursuing a career in the medical field?

Set lofty goals and then devise a concrete plan to achieve them. Don't be
reticent about seeking advice and help from a variety of sources.  Seek out
mentors and aim for the skies! Also remember to recharge by getting enough
exercise, sleep and connecting with family. 

Featured Book by Cargill H. Alleyne Jr.

Neurosurgery Board Review: Questions and Answers for Self-Assessment



Designed to evaluate candidates’ expertise and provide direction for continued
learning, the American Board of Neurological Surgery (ABNS) primary (written)
examination is a required step to attaining board certification in the U.S. The
rigorous exam requires substantial preparation. This essential board prep review
mirrors the exam’s multiple-choice format and seven sections: neurosurgery,
clinical neurology, neuroanatomy, neurobiology, neuropathology, neuroradiology,
and clinical skills/critical care. 

Buy
MedOne Access
Try MedOne Neurosurgery




PIONEERS IN MEDICINE

Alexa Canady (1950-present) – First Black female neurosurgeon.

Alexa Canady is the first Black female neurosurgeon. She specializes in
pediatric surgery, and has a great regard for patient care: “…it is so important
that patients are able to talk to you and not regard you as some deity above
them.” 

Black History Month - National Academy of Medicine (nam.edu)

Celebrating 10 African-American medical pioneers | AAMC

Patricia Era Bath, MD (1942-2019) – The first Black American to complete a
residency in ophthalmology.

In 1973, Patricia Bath was the first Black American to complete a residency in
ophthalmology (NYU). She went on to become the first woman ophthalmologist on
the faculty at Jules Stein Eye Institute at UCLA and was appointed assistant
chief of the King-Drew-UCLA Ophthalmology Residency Program in 1974, and chief
in 1983. She went on to become the first Black American female doctor to receive
a medical patent in 1988 when she developed the laserphaco probe, a medical
device that improves on the use of lasers to remove cataracts. 

Patricia Bath - Biography, Ophthalmologist, Inventor

Helen Octavia Dickens (1909- 2001) – First African-American woman to be admitted
to the American College of Surgeons.

Helen Octavia Dickens was an American physician, medical and social activist,
health equity advocate, researcher, health administrator, and health educator.
She was the first African-American woman to be admitted to the American College
of Surgeons in 1950, and specialized in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Fascinating Facts from the College: Helen Octavia Dickens Paved the Way for
Surgeons Who Followed Her | ACS (facs.org)

Myra Adele Logan (1908-1977) – First African-American woman to perform
open-heart surgery.

In 1943, Myra Adele Logan became the first African-American woman to perform
open-heart surgery. She also developed a slower X-ray process that more
accurately detected differences in tissue density, an indication of tumors. 

Black History Month - National Academy of Medicine (nam.edu)

Celebrating 10 African-American medical pioneers | AAMC

William Montague Cobb, MD (1904-1990) – The first Black American to have a Ph.D
in anthropology

In 1929, William Montague Cobb, MD, earned his MD from Howard University Medical
School. In 1932 at Case Western Reserve University, he became the first Black
American to earn a PhD in physical anthropology where he worked on the
Hamann-Todd Osteological Collection. He returned to the Howard University
Medical School where he taught for the majority of his career and established
the W. Montague Cobb Skeletal Collection. He went on to become Howard
University's first distinguished professor in 1969 and became professor emeritus
in 1973. 

Dr. W.M. Cobb Video | Black in Anatomy

Louis T. Wright (1891-1952) - Introduced intradermal vaccination for smallpox.

Louis T. Wright as an American surgeon, inventor, and civil rights activist. He
joined the Army Medical Corps as a lieutenant during WWI, where he introduced
the intradermal vaccination technique for smallpox. He was also the first
African-American on the surgical staff of a non-segregated hospital in NYC.

Black History Month - National Academy of Medicine (nam.edu)

Celebrating 10 African-American medical pioneers | AAMC

William Augustus Hinton (1883-1959) – The first Black professor in the history
of Harvard University.

William Augustus Hinton was the first Black professor at Harvard. He developed a
test for syphilis that was incredibly accurate and significantly less painful
than prior tests, and was adopted for use by the U.S. Public Health Service. 

Black History Month - National Academy of Medicine (nam.edu)

Celebrating 10 African-American medical pioneers | AAMC

Daniel Hale Williams, MD (1856-1931) – Performed the first successful open-heart
surgery

Dr. Daniel Hale Williams, graduated with an M.D. degree in 1883 at Chicago
Medical College. In 1891, he opened the Provident Hospital and Training School
for Nurses, now called Provident Hospital of Cook County in Chicago which was
the first Black-owned and first non-segregated hospital in the United States.
Two year later in 1893, he became the first surgeon to performed open-heart
surgery, saving the life James Cornish who had been was stabbed in the chest. 

Daniel Hale Williams and the First Successful Heart Surgery | Columbia Surgery

Rebecca Lee Crumpler, MD (1831-1895) – The first Black American woman to earn a
MD degree

Rebecca Lee Crumpler, MD, was originally a nurse who attended the New England
Female Medical College, Boston, MA and in 1864 became the first Black American
woman in the United States to receive a MD degree. She went on to treat freed
slaves after the Civil War and wrote “A Book of Medical Discourses: In Two
Parts” which was published in 1883. 

Changing the Face of Medicine | Rebecca Lee Crumpler (nih.gov)

James McCune Smith, MD (1813-1865) – The first Black American to hold a medical
degree

In 1837, James McCune Smith, MD, was the first Black American to receive a MD
degree. He received his degree from the University of Glasgow Medical School as
he was not accepted into a medical school in the United States because of his
race. Additionally, he was the first Black American to own and operate a
pharmacy in the United States and be published in a U.S. Medical Journal. 

Rediscovering the Life and Legacy of James McCune Smith | New-York Historical
Society (nyhistory.org)




EDUCATION – HBCU MEDICAL SCHOOLS


HOWARD UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF MEDICINE

Howard University College of Medicine , established in 1868 as part of the
historic Howard University, stands as a pioneering Historically Black College
and University (HBCU) with a rich legacy of producing culturally competent
physicians committed to social justice. Grounded in a tradition of diversity and
community engagement, HUCM continues to play a vital role in addressing
healthcare disparities and advancing medical education with a focus on inclusion
and equality.


MOREHOUSE SCHOOL OF MEDICINE

Morehouse School of Medicine, established in 1975 as an integral part of the
Historically Black College and University (HBCU) legacy, is recognized for its
commitment to fostering diversity in healthcare and addressing health
disparities. With a focus on community engagement and cultural competence, MSM
stands as a leading institution shaping healthcare leaders while actively
contributing to the betterment of underserved communities.


MEHARRY MEDICAL COLLEGE

Meharry Medical College, founded in 1876, is a distinguished Historically Black
College and University (HBCU) with a profound legacy in medical education and
healthcare. As an integral part of the HBCU tradition, Meharry has consistently
produced a diverse cadre of healthcare professionals committed to serving
marginalized communities, embodying its mission of advancing health equity
through education, research, and compassionate care.




FEATURED JOURNAL ARTICLES


NEONATAL AMPICILLIN/GENTAMICIN EXPOSURE AND THE RISK OF CHILDHOOD OBESITY IN
SOUTH BRONX PEDIATRIC POPULATION

Authors: Adeola Awujoola, Ana Patricia Torga, Mohamed Aashiq Abdul Ghayum,
Nadeem Mousa, Tolulope Olorunsogo, Samantha DeSilva, Meriam Avades, Olaseni
Prince, Pratibha Ankola.

This retrospective cohort study aimed to assess the association between neonatal
antibiotic exposure and the risk of childhood obesity.

Read article


INEFFICIENCY IN DELIVERY OF GENERAL SURGERY TO BLACK PATIENTS: A NATIONAL
INPATIENT SAMPLE STUDY

Author: John N. Bliton

This study investigates treatment disparities in delivery of surgery and time to
surgery for diagnoses managed by general surgeons.

Read article


A REVIEW OF HEALTHCARE DISPARITIES RELEVANT TO INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGY

Authors: Katherine Marchak, Davinder Singh, Mira Malavia, Premal Trivedi

This review summarizes what we know about disparities relevant to interventional
radiologists.

Read article


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