02/20/2026
February is Black History Month, a time to recognize and honor the achievements and lasting contributions of Black individuals throughout history in the medical field.
We reflect and honor leaders like Dr. James McCune Smith, the first African American to earn a medical degree; Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler, the first African American woman physician in the U.S.; Dr. Daniel Hale Williams, who performed one of the first successful surgeries involving the heart (repairing the pericardium); Dr. Jane Cooke Wright, a pioneer in chemotherapy research; and Dr. Marilyn Hughes Gaston, whose leadership helped expand newborn screening and care for sickle cell disease, breaking barriers and transforming healthcare for generations.
At Priority Physicians, we value the diversity that strengthens our communities and remain committed to serving every patient with compassion, respect, and equity.