Quick Facts
- Born: February 8, 1831 • Delaware, USA
- Died: March 9, 1895 (aged 64) • Hyde Park, Massachusetts
- Known For:
- First African American woman to earn a medical degree in the U.S.
- Provided critical medical care to freed slaves after the Civil War
- Focused on treating women and children in underserved communities
- Author of A Book of Medical Discourses, one of the first medical texts written by a Black woman
- Trailblazer for Black women in medicine, paving the way for future generations
Legacy
Rebecca Lee Crumpler overcame significant racial and gender obstacles to become the first Black woman physician in the United States. After the Civil War, she devoted her career to caring for freed slaves, women, and children—patients who often faced barriers to receiving medical attention. Her work established a foundation for future Black women in medicine and continues to inspire generations of healthcare providers.
Trailblazing Achievements
Born in 1831 in Delaware, Rebecca Lee Crumpler was raised in Pennsylvania by an aunt who cared for the sick in their community. Observing her aunt attend to neighbors without access to doctors ignited her early interest in medicine. In the mid-19th century, women in medicine were scarce, and Black doctors were nearly nonexistent. Despite these obstacles, Crumpler pursued nursing and later aimed for something even more ambitious—becoming a physician.
Breaking Barriers in Medical Education
Crumpler worked as a nurse in Massachusetts for several years before applying to the New England Female Medical College in Boston—the only medical school in the country at that time that accepted women. In 1864, she graduated, becoming the first African American woman to earn a medical degree in the United States. This achievement was groundbreaking, as very few medical schools admitted women, let alone Black women. Crumpler’s success shattered expectations and opened doors for future Black women in medicine.
Providing Care to Freed Slaves in the South
After the Civil War ended in 1865, Crumpler moved to Richmond, Virginia, to work with the Freedmen’s Bureau, a federal agency that assisted newly freed slaves. Many formerly enslaved people suffered from disease, malnutrition, and a lack of medical care. Hospitals often refused to treat Black patients, and white doctors were hesitant to work with freed slaves. Crumpler rose to the occasion where others would not. She collaborated with other Black doctors and nurses, caring for thousands of freed slaves—especially women and children—who had no other access to healthcare. She confronted extreme racism and sexism, with some white doctors refusing to work with her or fill prescriptions for her patients. Yet, she remained dedicated to her mission, providing care despite the hostility.
Returning to Boston and Treating the Poor
After several years in the South, Crumpler returned to Boston and settled in the predominantly Black neighborhood of Beacon Hill. There, she established a medical practice focused on caring for poor women and children who couldn’t afford healthcare. At a time when hospitals often refused to treat Black patients and most doctors prioritized wealthier clients, Crumpler was determined to serve those in greatest need.
One of the First Black Women to Publish a Medical Text
In 1883, Crumpler wrote and published A Book of Medical Discourses, a medical guide based on her years of experience treating patients. The book focused on women’s health, pregnancy, and childcare, offering practical advice for mothers on keeping their families healthy. Her book was one of the first medical texts ever written by an African American woman, establishing her as both a pioneer in medicine and medical literature.
Controversies
As a Black female doctor in the 19th century, Crumpler faced discrimination at every turn. Hospitals refused to allow her to work there. White doctors dismissed her credentials and ignored her recommendations. Pharmacists would not fill prescriptions for her patients. Despite these challenges, she never stopped advocating for her patients. She established her practice and made house calls to ensure that women and children received care, even when hospitals turned them away. Her resilience in the face of racism and sexism helped lay the groundwork for future generations of Black women physicians who would follow in her footsteps.
In Her Own Words
- “I early conceived a liking for, and sought every opportunity to relieve the suffering of others.” Crumpler’s passion for medicine started at a young age and shaped her career.
- “My mind has carried me away oftener into the regions of the sick than into any other domain.” Her dedication to healing and helping others was the driving force behind her work.
- “The first time I saw a female doctor, I knew that was my calling.” She understood the power of representation and the importance of breaking barriers.
- “The state of the poor and those in need should be the chief concern of those in medicine.” Crumpler saw medicine as a responsibility, not a privilege, and spent her career serving the underserved.
Her Lasting Legacy
Rebecca Lee Crumpler’s impact extends far beyond her lifetime. She forged a path for Black women in medicine, breaking barriers that had never been crossed before. Her book, A Book of Medical Discourses, continues to be an essential historical medical text. She provided care when no one else would, enhancing the lives of thousands of freed slaves and impoverished women. Today, she is honored as a medicine and racial justice trailblazer. Recognizing her contributions, the Rebecca Lee Society was established as one of the first medical societies for Black women. In Boston, a memorial plaque stands in her honor, acknowledging her as a pioneer in American medicine. Her life exemplified how one woman’s determination could change history.
Personal Reflections
As a midwife and healthcare provider, I deeply connect to Rebecca Lee Crumpler’s mission. She recognized a broken healthcare system and stepped in to bridge the gaps. She treated women and children who had no alternatives, understanding that health disparities were not just an issue—they were a crisis. Her resilience in the face of racism and sexism serves as a reminder that medicine is not only about science—it’s also about justice. I often consider how challenging it must have been for her to practice medicine in an era when almost no one acknowledged her right to do so. Yet, she never backed down. She forged a path where none existed—thousands of women have followed in her footsteps. She didn’t just become a doctor; she became a movement. And for that, SHEis Amazing!
Key Milestones
Explore More About Rebecca Lee Crumpler
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- Rebecca Lee Crumpler: The Real Doc McStuffins by David A. Roots Jr.
- A Book of Medical Discourses, in Two Parts by Rebecca Lee Crumpler
- Rebecca Lee Crumpler – Wikipedia
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