When reflecting on the paths paved by Black history makers, it’s crucial to consider those who specialize in the medical field. Among those names are ophthalmologist Dr. Patricia E. Bath, neurosurgeon Dr. Ben Carson, and, of course, surgeon Dr. Charles R. Drew, who revolutionized blood transfusions and storage.

As part of our 28 Days of Black History series, we pay tribute to five medical practitioners who fought for us to live healthier lives.  

Dr. Alexa Irene Canady

At 74, Dr. Alexa Canady broke barriers as the first Black woman in the United States to become a neurosurgeon. The accomplishment occurred in 1981, years after Dr. Canady graduated cum laude at the College of Medicine at the University of Michigan. Initially desiring to be an internist, it was neurosurgery that was Dr. Canady’s purpose, which was fulfilled at a higher level when she was named Chief of Neurosurgery at Children’s Hospital of Michigan in 1987.

Dr. Ben Carson

While controversial for his political beliefs, like Dr. Canady, Dr. Ben Carson studied medicine at the University of Michigan, and his focus on neurosurgery created the path for him to be a world-class surgeon. During his 29-year period as Director of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Baltimore’s Johns Hopkins Hospital in 1987, Dr. Carson made history when he safely separated Siamese twins as part of a 70-member team within 22 hours. The procedure was portrayed in the 2009 TNT biographical drama “Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story,” with Carson played by Cuba Gooding Jr.

Dr. Charles R. Drew

Considered the “Father of the Blood Bank,” pioneering surgeon and medical researcher Dr. Charles R. Drew is renowned for his efforts in developing the national blood bank during World War II. Dr. Drew’s studies of blood transfusion medicine at Montreal’s McGill University would make him a novel medical expert even before he was titled the first Black doctor of medical science recipient from Columbia University. Along with his blood bank innovation aiding military personnel and civilians, Dr. Drew was named the director of the first Red Cross blood bank in 1941, supplying blood to the U.S. Navy and Army.

Dr. Jane Cooke Wright

Late cancer researcher and oncologist Dr. Jane Cooke Wright made it her mission to break ground for a cancer-free future. Known as the Mother of Chemotherapy, Dr. Wright went from being a prodigy of her father, surgeon, and civil rights activist Dr. Louis Wright to being named head of the Cancer Research Foundation in 1952. Dr. Wright’s exploration into anticancer agents would prove successful in her patient and tissue culture methods for administering chemotherapy. Among her highest moments, Dr. Wright was appointed associate dean and professor of surgery at New York Medical College, becoming the highest-ranking African American woman in a nationally recognized medical institution.

Dr. Patricia E. Bath

Ophthalmologist Dr. Patricia E. Bath was a dedicated visionary who saw an improved future for patients suffering from cataracts and blindness. Dr. Bath, who was a co-founder of the American Institute for the Prevention of Blindness, noticed the racial discrepancies in eye health, as blindness was double in Black patients in comparison to whites. In striving for accessible ophthalmic care, Dr. Bath created a surgical tool, laser phaco probe, in 1981 for cataract removal.