James McCune Smith, the first African American doctor.
Dr. James McCune Smith was born into slavery in New York City. Dr. Smith was determined to become a doctor. Despite being denied to American colleges due to his race, he continues his education at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. By age 24, he earned his bachelor’s, master’s, and medical degrees. Dr. Smith established his own medical office and pharmacy in New York City, becoming the first African American doctor to practice in the United States. He treated both Black and white patients and was the chief doctor at the New York City Colored Orphan Asylum. His advocacy extended to working with abolitionists to end slavery.
Dr. Smith was the first African American doctor, beating the
