Unisex Heavy Cotton Tee (Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler)

Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler was a pioneering figure in American medicine, known for being the first African American woman to earn a medical degree in the United States.

Early Life and Education

Born: February 8, 1831, in Christiana, Delaware12.
Raised: Primarily in Pennsylvania by her aunt, who often cared for sick neighbors. This early exposure to healthcare inspired Crumpler’s interest in medicine.

Education: She moved to Charlestown, Massachusetts, and worked as a nurse before being admitted to the New England Female Medical College in 186012. She graduated in 1864, becoming the first African American woman to earn a medical degree.
Medical Career
Boston Practice: After graduation, Crumpler began her practice in Boston, focusing on the care of poor women and children12.
Richmond, Virginia: Post-Civil War, she moved to Richmond to provide medical care to freed slaves through the Freedmen’s Bureau12. She faced significant racism and sexism but continued her work with dedication.

Publications and Legacy
A Book of Medical Discourses: In 1883, she published this book, one of the first medical publications by an African American12. It focused on maternal and pediatric care, offering valuable medical advice to mothers and nurses.

Legacy: Crumpler’s contributions paved the way for future generations of African American women in medicine. Her home in Boston is a stop on the Boston Women’s Heritage Trail, and several medical societies are named in her honor.

Dr. Crumpler’s story is a testament to her resilience and dedication to improving healthcare for underserved communities.