Celebrating Juneteenth by recognizing Black American Medical Pioneers

Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. It is an important day in American history and an opportunity to recognize the Black American physicians who overcame prejudice and injustice to change the face of medicine in this country. They broke barriers, shattered stereotypes, and went on to conduct research and provide leadership that improved the health of millions. Continue reading to learn more about four Black American medical pioneers who overcame tremendous obstacles to change the face of medicine. 

James McCune Smith, M.D. (1813-1865)

James McCune Smith was the first Black American to earn a medical degree. He excelled at the New York African Free School but he was denied admission to American universities due to his race. He went on to obtain three degrees from the University of Scotland instead, including a doctorate in medicine. When Dr. Smith returned to New York City in 1838, he opened his own practice and went on to treat patients of all races for 25 years. He was also the first Black person to own and operate a pharmacy in the United States as well as the first Black physician to be published in U.S. medical journals. Today, James McCune Smith is remembered not only for his work in medicine but also as a trailblazer for social justice in 19th century America. 

Rebecca Lee Crumpler, M.D. (1831-1895)

In 1864, after years as a nurse, Rebecca Lee Crumpler became the first Black woman in the United States to receive a medical degree. She graduated from the New England Female Medical College, which merged with the Boston University School of Medicine in 1873. She practiced medicine in Boston for a short time before moving to Richmond, Virginia where she cared for freed slaves who would otherwise have had no access to medical care. Dr. Crumpler also wrote A Book of Medical Discourses, which was published in 1883. It featured information about treating illnesses in infants, adolescents, and women of childbearing age. Without a doubt, Rebecca Lee Crumpler was a true pioneer who battled and overcame deep-seated prejudice against women and Black Americans in medicine.  

Marilyn Hughes Gaston, M.D. (1939-)

When Marilyn Hughes Gaston was a young child, her mother fainted in the living room. It was a particularly frightening experience because her family was poor and uninsured with no access to healthcare. Years later, she became a physician with the dream of bringing affordable medical care to impoverished families and increasing their access to health insurance. After receiving her medical degree from the University of Cincinnati, she rose through the ranks of the U.S. Public Health Service, becoming the second Black woman to achieve the rank of Rear Admiral and Assistant Surgeon General. Since then, Dr. Gaston has been honored with every award that the Public Health Service gives out because of her work in research, treatment, and advocacy within the medical community. 

Regina Marcia Benjamin, M.D. (1956-)

Regina Marcia Benjamin decided to become a physician when was completing her undergraduate studies at Xavier University in Louisiana. After receiving her medical degree, she joined the National Health Service Corps and worked in underserved communities. Dr. Benjamin went on to open a rural health clinic that stayed in operation despite damage and destruction from two hurricanes and a devastating fire. She also assumed many leadership roles in medicine, particularly in public health and preventative healthcare. Dr. Benjamin’s most notable achievement was becoming the 18th Surgeon General of the United States from 2009-2013. She oversaw 6,500 uniformed public health officers and provided the American public with the best scientific information available about how to improve their health. After leaving office, Dr. Benjamin formed the Gulf States Health Policy Center and joined the faculty at Xavier University.  

Final Thoughts

In recognition of Juneteenth, DiaMedical USA encourages everyone in the medical community to pause and recognize the importance of health equity in America. Martin Luther King Jr. once said “Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in healthcare is the most shocking and inhumane.” We have an opportunity to create a healthier future for all Americans by dedicating our time and resources to addressing these inequities. As we celebrate Juneteenth, let us remain thankful for how far the healthcare industry has come, but never forget the long road to equity ahead of us.