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Who is Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler?

Rebecca Lee Crumpler was the first African-American physician who made significant contributions to the field of medicine and healthcare access.

Early Life and Education

Rebecca Lee Crumpler was born Rebecca Davis in Christiana, Delaware.
She was raised by her aunt, who acted as a doctor in their community and had a huge influence on Crumpler's career in medicine.
She moved to Massachusetts in 1852, where she worked as a nurse before being accepted into the New England Female Medical College, where she was the only African American student.
At 33 years old she received a “Doctress of Medicine” degree from New England Female Medical College.
Till this day, she remains the only African American woman to receive a medical degree from New England Female Medical College.
She collaborated with the Freedmen’s Bureau and other charity and missionary groups to care for freed slaves.

Notable achievements

Accomplishment	Description
Medical Pioneer	She is the first African-American woman to earn a medical degree in the United States.
Author	She published "A Book of Medical Discourses" in 1883, one of the earliest medical publications.
Healthcare accessible	Advocated for health equity and addressed disparities in healthcare access and quality.
Resilience	Overcame significant racial and gender barriers to become a doctor.

Legacy

Rebecca Lee Crumpler's accomplishments and advocacy continue to inspire and influence the field of medicine today. Her pioneering spirit, dedication to serving the underserved, and commitment to health justice leave a lasting legacy that lasts generations. As we celebrate her achievements, we honor her contributions to healthcare. Today less than 5% of African Americans are in the medical field.

"I early conceived a liking for, and sought every opportunity to relieve the sufferings of others." - Rebecca Lee Crumpler