Rebecca Lee Crumpler Biography

Rebecca Lee Crumpler, née Davis, (February 8, 1831 – March 9, 1895) was an African American physician and author. Becoming a Doctor of Medicine in 1864 after studying at New England Female Medical College, she was the first African-American woman to become a physician in the United States.[nb 1] Rebecca graduated medical college and published her book at a time in history when very few African Americans were allowed to attend medical college or publish books. Crumpler first practiced medicine in Boston, primarily for poor women and children. After the American Civil War ended in 1865, she moved to Richmond, Virginia, believing it to be "a proper field for real missionary work" and to continue her focus on diseases of women and children. Crumpler worked for the Freedmen's Bureau to provide medical care to freed slaves; She was subject to "intense racism" and sexism while practicing medicine.[nb 2] She later moved back to Boston and "entered into the work with renewed vigor, practicing outside, and receiving children in [her] house for treatment; regardless, in a measure, of remuneration." In 1883, she published A Book of Medical Discourses. Dedicated to nurses and mothers, it focused on the medical care of women and children and was one of the first publications written by an African American about medicine.In addition to being the only female physician author in the 19th century.name="NLM Biography" />