03/17/2021
Today we spotlight Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler for Women’s History Month. Dr. Crumpler was born on Feb 8, 1831 in the state of Delaware and became the first African-American female physician in 1864. She grew up in Pennsylvania and obtained her medical degree from the New England Female Medical College in Boston, MA. She practiced general medicine.
Among Dr. Crumpler’s many accomplishments is the fact that she authored a book titled “A Book of Medical Discourses in Two Parts” which was published in 1883. The book was filled with medical advice for women and children. This publication is known to be one of the first medical publications by an African American.
She also joined other black physicians in caring for freed slaves, worked with the Freedmen’s Bureau and other missionary groups.
Her strength and perseverance to achieve all that she did during the era that she lived in is remarkable and motivating!
