Rebecca Lee Crumpler was the first African American woman to become a doctor of medicine in the United States. She was born in 1831 in Delaware and faced significant barriers to pursuing her dream of becoming a physician due to the racial and gender discrimination of the time.

Despite these challenges, Crumpler was determined and eventually enrolled in the New England Female Medical College in Boston, where she graduated in 1864. After completing her medical degree, Crumpler practiced medicine in Boston and specialized in caring for women and children. She was especially dedicated to providing medical care to African American families who had limited access to healthcare.

In 1883, Crumpler published a book titled "A Book of Medical Discourses," which documented her experiences as a physician and provided insights into various aspects of medicine and healthcare. Her pioneering work in the field of medicine and her dedication to serving underserved communities have solidified her place in history as a trailblazer for African American women in medicine. Rebecca Lee Crumpler's legacy continues to inspire aspiring healthcare professionals and advocates for health equity and equality.