Rebecca Lee Crumpler

Rebecca Lee Crumpler was an American physician. She was born in Delaware in 1831. In 1864, she became the first African American woman to earn a medical degree in the United States. She dedicated her career to caring for poor patients and freed slaves.

Early Life

Crumpler was raised by her aunt, who often cared for sick neighbors. Watching her aunt inspired her to become a doctor. She worked as a nurse for many years before entering medical school. She attended the New England Female Medical College in Boston.

Medical Career

Crumpler earned her MD degree in 1864, during the Civil War. After the war ended, she moved to Richmond, Virginia, to care for freed slaves. She provided medical care to people who had no access to doctors. She also wrote a medical book called A Book of Medical Discourses.

Fun Facts

• Rebecca Lee Crumpler was the first African American woman to earn a medical degree in the United States.
• She moved to Virginia after the Civil War to care for freed enslaved people.
• She wrote one of the first medical books by an African American author.

Did You Know?

Rebecca Lee Crumpler's medical book, published in 1883, focused on the care of women and children. It was one of the first medical books written by an African American.