Rebecca Lee Crumpler: First Female African-American Physician
There are many firsts when it comes to medicine, but have you ever wondered who the first African-American female physician in the United States was? In honor of Black history month, today’s blog post will remember the legacy of Rebecca Lee Crumpler, a woman who, despite all odds, succeeded beyond any measure and inspired many to follow her path.
Rebecca Lee Crumpler, born Rebecca Davis in 1831, grew up in Delaware under the care of her aunt. Her aunt was known for providing care for those who were ill, and Rebecca often helped her care for sick neighbors. As a result, Rebecca was influenced to pursue medicine (Source).
Around 1852, Crumpler worked as a nurse for 8 years and then took the bold step of applying to medical school. Crumpler was accepted as one of the 12 females to the New England Female Medical College and earned her medical degree. From its inception, many male physicians denounced the New England Female Medical College. They often complained that women lacked the physical strength required to practice medicine or argued that women were incapable of mastering medical curriculum since the topics taught were inappropriate for their “sensitive and delicate nature.” Fortunately, the founders of the hospital ignored the outrageous claims and organized a school that would provide medical education for females (Source).
In 1864, Rebecca became the first and only graduate of the New England Female Medical College, seeing as the school shut down in 1873. To put Rebecca’s incredible achievement in perspective, in 1860, out of 54,543 physicians in the United States, only 300 were women. None of them were African-American. As late as 1920, there were only 65 African-American woman doctors in the United States (Source).
Throughout her practice, Rebecca Lee Crumpler was subject to unfair racism, rude behavior, and sexism from many people. There were even pharmacists who refused to honor the medications she prescribed to her patients due to the color of Rebecca’s skin and her gender. Yet, Crumpler persevered and went on to publish a book titled “A Book of Medical Discourses in Two Parts” for women and children’s health (Source).
Rebecca Lee Crumpler died in Hyde Park on March 9, 1895. Her story is a bright light to those who aim to follow their passions, regardless of what others think of them. By facing adversity, forging forward, and bringing diversity and passion into her field, Rebecca Lee Crumpler’s legacy will be forever remembered (Source).
