3 Black Women in Healthcare That Made Lasting Impacts
Throughout history, black women have made significant contributions to the healthcare field despite often facing systemic barriers designed to keep them from getting ahead. Their innovative ideas, bravery, and resilience have shaped how black female patients receive medical care and how future generations of professionals will be trained.
The impact these women have had further demonstrates the importance of representation in healthcare, as underrepresented groups may become victims of bias — delaying critical diagnoses. In this article, we'll highlight three black women in the medical field whose legacies still influence modern medicine today.
1. Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler
Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler was the first black woman in the United States to earn a medical degree, and her accomplishments paved the way for other aspiring black physicians. She entered a field where few women — let alone women of color — were welcomed, and she dedicated her career to improving healthcare access in underserved communities.
Early Life and Education
Dr. Crumpler, born in 1831, spent her formative years learning basic medical skills from an aunt who often cared for sick neighbors. Through this, she learned how important it was for underserved communities to have trusted physicians who could bridge gaps in resources. Determined to expand her knowledge, she attended the New England Female Medical College.
Despite Dr. Crumpler's intelligence and success, she faced countless hurdles throughout her professional journey — skepticism and racial prejudice from peers and patients alike being a major struggle.
Medical Achievements
After the Civil War, Dr. Crumpler devoted herself to serving freed slaves and impoverished populations in the South, hoping to lessen the effects of rapidly spreading diseases. She later wrote a two-part medical book titled A Book of Medical Discourses. It was based on her experiences treating women and children and highlighted the importance of patient education.
2. Mary Eliza Mahoney
Mary Eliza Mahoney was the first black licensed nurse in the United States. She was committed to upholding high professional standards and ensuring access to quality nursing programs for other black women.
Education and Success
Mahoney’s commitment to nursing was driven by a deep understanding of the challenges patients face when dealing with health concerns. At a time when hospitals often denied opportunities to nurses of color, Mahoney’s success opened the door for future generations who also aspired to wear the nursing cap.
She worked tirelessly in private homes, providing personalized, holistic care to individuals from various backgrounds. Her approach illustrates how vital human connection is to effective treatment.
Mahoney’s approach set the groundwork for culturally sensitive nursing practices, and her methods continue to inform the profession today.
Racial and Gender Equality
Mahoney co-founded the National Association of Colored Graduate Nurses (NACGN) in 1908, which offered a supportive network for black nurses. Her leadership in NACGN and other professional organizations ultimately led to more inclusivity. Her legacy highlights the importance of community in healthcare.
Many struggle with nutrient deficiencies, and black women are at a higher risk for vitamin D deficiency than women in other racial groups.
Medical professionals may not be as educated on the unique needs of black women, so it’s important to raise awareness. Mahoney’s work reminds us that quality medical care is more than just treatment — it's advocacy.
3. Henrietta Lacks
Henrietta Lacks was not a medical professional, but her cells — taken without her consent — became one of the most important tools in modern medical research.
Known as HeLa cells, these samples led to breakthroughs in cancer research, and even assisted in developing treatments for a variety of illnesses.
The HeLa Cells Story
In 1951, Henrietta Lacks sought treatment for an aggressive form of cervical cancer at Johns Hopkins Hospital.
Doctors took samples of her cancer cells and discovered that they could survive and multiply outside the human body. These “immortal” cells were distributed worldwide, fueling scientific advancements and medical innovations that continue to save lives today.
Despite her massive contributions to science, Lacks’s family only learned about it years later. This sparked debates on medical ethics, patient privacy, and informed consent. Her experience highlights the importance of respecting individuals’ rights and ensuring research protocols are both transparent and fair.
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on the lives of Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler, Mary Eliza Mahoney, and Henrietta Lacks, we recognize that their contributions shaped healthcare practices, ethics, and education. They expanded access to medical knowledge and empowered communities long overlooked by the healthcare system.
Their stories encourage us to challenge injustice and improve how we care for one another. These women drove change that still resonates to this day, and we honor their legacies by continuing to advocate for high-quality care for black women and respect for every individual’s dignity.
Sources:
New England Female Medical College, now the Boston University School of Medicine | BWHT
Celebrating the pioneering National Association of Colored Graduate Nurses | NNU
The Importance of HeLa Cells | Johns Hopkins