The achievements of African-American physicians in the United States are remarkable and deserve to be celebrated. From the first African-American to obtain a medical degree, James McCune Smith, to the first black hospital administrator, Alexander Augusta, and the first black doctor appointed to a staff position at a municipal hospital in New York City, Louis Wright, these men have made history. James McCune Smith was born into slavery and released by the New York Emancipation Act of 1827. After graduating with honors from the African Free School at age 15, he became an apprentice blacksmith while continuing his studies with area ministers. Smith eventually obtained his medical degree from the University of Glasgow in the 1830s, when no American university would admit him.
This pioneering achievement alone deserves greater appreciation. After earning his medical degree in Canada, Dr. Augusta offered his services to the United States. In a letter to President Abraham Lincoln, he offered his services as a surgeon.
At the age of 65, Augusta died in Washington D. C., and became the first black Army officer to be buried in Arlington National Cemetery. Augusta's Tomb is located in Section 1, at Tomb 124A. Dr. William Williams Keen helped shape military medicine for more than 50 years, from the Civil War to the First World War.
He was also a man committed to nonviolent action for social change. In 1895, Dr. King co-founded the National Medical Association, a professional organization for black doctors. This organization was instituted as an alternative to the white American Medical Association that did not extend membership to black doctors. The Defense Health Agency held a celebration honoring the life and legacy of Dr. King called “Success Always Leaves Traces” which highlighted the importance of studying African American history. Provident Hospital provided training to African-American interns and established America's first school for black nurses. In 1929, New York City hired Louis Wright as a police surgeon, making him the first African-American to hold that position. These achievements are exceptional from any point of view, but even more so for a group that was born enslaved or deprived of their basic rights as free blacks.
