Black physicians have a long and storied history in the United States, overcoming significant barriers and facing immense challenges to practice medicine. One of the earliest known Black physicians in the U.S. was Dr. James McCune Smith, who graduated from medical school in 1837 and went on to become a prominent abolitionist and political leader.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, pioneering Black physicians like Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler and Dr. Daniel Hale Williams made significant contributions to the field of medicine. Dr. Crumpler became the first Black woman to earn a medical degree in the U.S. in 1864, while Dr. Williams performed one of the first successful open-heart surgeries in 1893.

Despite facing discrimination and segregation in the medical profession, many Black physicians continued to break barriers and excel in their fields. In the mid-20th century, Dr. Charles R. Drew made groundbreaking contributions to blood transfusion research, while other Black physicians like Dr. Vivien Thomas and Dr. Alexa Canady made significant advancements in surgery and neurosurgery, respectively.

Today, Black physicians continue to make important contributions to healthcare and medicine, working to address disparities in access to care and health outcomes in Black communities. Their legacy serves as a testament to the resilience, perseverance, and excellence of Black medical professionals throughout history.