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Dr. Jane Cooke Wright
American Oncologist
Known for her groundbreaking work in cancer research and treatment. She was named professor of surgery, head of the cancer chemotherapy department and associate dean at New York Medical College in 1967, making her the highest-ranking Black woman at an American medical institution at the time. She was also the first woman to be elected president of the New York Cancer Society.
Dr. A. Pearleen Oliver
Canadian Activist and Community Leader
Born and raised in Nova Scotia, her journey unfolds navigating challenges as a Black woman in medicine. Confronting racial discrimination, she carved a space in a field with limited opportunities for Black professionals. Her influential book broke barriers for Black women in Canadian nursing. As a founder of the Nova Scotia Association for the Advancement of Coloured People, she significantly contributed to the struggle for racial equality. Mastering public speaking, she passionately advocated against racial injustices, reaching diverse audiences including men’s clubs, government bodies, churches, educators, women’s groups, youth organizations, and radio, leaving an enduring impact.
Dr. Chika Stacy Oriuwa
Canadian Physician and Advocate
She graduated from the University of Toronto’s Temerty Faculty of Medicine in 2020 as the first Black woman to be named the sole valedictorian of her class. She served as an ambassador for the University of Toronto’s Black Student Application Program (BSAP), which maintains the same admission standards and includes an interview process conducted by members of the Black community, faculty, and students. Additionally, she co-founded the Black Interprofessional Students’ Association (BIPSA) to connect students across various graduate programs.
Dr. Alexander Thomas Augusta
American Physician
He the first Black medical doctor in North America, broke barriers in 1861 when he graduated from the University of Toronto’s Medical Department. Born into slavery, Augusta’s determination led him to become a prominent physician, educator, and Civil War surgeon. Despite facing racial discrimination, he served as a medical director, advocating for healthcare equality for African Americans. Augusta’s legacy extends beyond his medical achievements; he became a professor at Howard University’s medical school and was appointed the first Black hospital administrator in the District of Columbia. His pioneering contributions laid the foundation for diversity in American medicine.
Dr. William G. Anderson
Physician and Civil Rights Leader
Known for his trailblazing work as a osteopathic physician and a champion for equal rights. He was the first Black osteopathic physician to become a member of the Board of Trustees of the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) and the first Black physician to become president of the AOA. He was also a co-leader of the Albany Movement, the first mass movement in the civil rights era when protestors marched to end community segregation. He was a vocal advocate for improving medical education and training opportunities for minority students.
Dr. Marilyn Hughes Gaston
American Physician and Researcher
She dedicated her career to medical care for disadvantaged communities and advocated for health care equality for all Americans. In 1990, she served as the first Black woman to direct a public health service bureau in the United States, where she focused on addressing health disparities. Her work continues to inspire advancements in public health and medicine.
Herbert W. Nickens
Advocate for Diversity in Medicine
Dr. Nickens was the first director of the Office of Minority Health at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in 1986. He also served as the founding vice president of the AAMC Division of Community and Minority Programs, now known as Diversity Policy and Programs. He played a pivotal role in the development of programs aimed at increasing the representation of underrepresented minorities in medicine. His work shaped efforts to create a more diverse and inclusive healthcare workforce.
Dr. Lillian Holland Harvey
American Nurse, Doctor, and Educator
Undeterred by discrimination, she earned her nursing diploma in 1939 and became the director of nurse training at Tuskegee School for Nurses during an era of segregation. Spearheading its transformation into a full baccalaureate nursing program showcased her tenacity. Harvey’s impact reached beyond academia; she played a vital role in training black nurses for World War II and worked towards desegregating the Alabama Nurses’ Association. In the President’s Commission for the Status of Women, she fervently advocated for the rights of black women in education, showcasing her unwavering determination in the face of adversity.
Mary Seacole
British Nurse and Business Woman
She defied societal norms to shape nursing during the Crimean War. Renowned for her dedication to healing, Seacole established the “British Hotel” near the battlefield, providing critical care to wounded soldiers. Despite facing racial and gender prejudices, she self-funded her journey to Crimea and used her extensive knowledge of traditional medicine to offer solace. Her autobiography, “Wonderful Adventures of Mrs. Seacole in Many Lands,” chronicles her experiences. Recognized for her hands-on nursing and advocacy for women in healthcare, Mary Seacole’s legacy continues to inspire resilience and compassion in the medical field.
Louis Tompkins Wright
American Surgeon and Civil Rights Activist
He transcended racial barriers as a medical researcher, war hero, and political activist. Graduating fourth in his class from Harvard Medical School in 1915, he served as a Captain in the U.S. Army during World War I, earning a Purple Heart. Wright’s impactful career unfolded at Harlem Hospital, where he elevated patient care standards, founded the Harlem Hospital Cancer Research Foundation, and pioneered medical treatments. A vocal advocate against racial bias, he received the NAACP’s Spingarn Medal in 1940. Louis Wright’s legacy endures as a pioneering force in American medicine.