Rebecca Lee Crumpler

Rebecca Lee Crumpler (pronounced: reh-BEH-kah lee KRUHM-plur) was a pioneering figure in the field of medicine. She was the first African American woman to become a physician in the United States.

Etymology

The name Rebecca is of Hebrew origin and means "to bind". Lee is an English surname often given as a middle name in honor of the Confederate general Robert E. Lee. Crumpler is a surname of English origin, and it is derived from the occupation of a crumpler, a person who made or sold crumpled or creased fabric.

Early Life and Education

Rebecca Lee Crumpler was born in 1831 in Delaware. She was raised by an aunt who spent much of her time caring for sick neighbors, which inspired Crumpler's pursuit of a career in medicine. She moved to Charlestown, Massachusetts, where she worked as a nurse for eight years. In 1860, she was admitted to the New England Female Medical College, where she faced intense racism and sexism. Despite these challenges, she graduated in 1864, becoming the first African American woman to earn a medical degree.

Medical Career

After graduation, Crumpler moved to Richmond, Virginia, where she worked for the Freedmen's Bureau to provide medical care to freed slaves. She later returned to Boston and practiced medicine there, focusing on diseases of women and children. In 1883, she published a book titled "A Book of Medical Discourses," one of the first medical publications by an African American.

Legacy

Crumpler's work paved the way for future generations of African American women in the medical field. Her dedication to healthcare, particularly for marginalized communities, continues to inspire and influence medical practitioners today.

Related Terms

• Medicine
• Physician
• Nurse
• New England Female Medical College
• Freedmen's Bureau

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Rebecca Lee Crumpler
• Wikipedia's article - Rebecca Lee Crumpler

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