Audience
Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler
(February 8, 1831- March 9, 1895)
Dr. Crumpler was the first African American woman physician in the United States. She attended the New England Female Medical College based in Boston, becoming the institution’s first Black graduate. After the Civil War, Dr. Lee joined other black physicians caring for freed slaves who had been denied medical care by white physicians. Her service with the Freedmen's Bureau, missionaries, and community groups proved critical for the Black communities she served. Dr. Crumpler was also one of the first African American women authors, publishing a Book of Medical Discourses, that gave a brief summary of her career path along with her passion to practice medicine for women and children.