02/12/2026
Alexa Canady
This week, we honor Dr. Alexa Canady, the first African American woman to become a neurosurgeon in the United States.
At a time when women especially Black women were underrepresented in medicine, Dr. Canady chose one of the most challenging specialties in healthcare. She went on to lead pediatric neurosurgery at Children’s Hospital of Michigan, dedicating her career to caring for children with life-threatening neurological conditions.
Her journey is a powerful reminder that excellence, perseverance, and compassion belong in every operating room.
Representation in medicine matters.
Access matters.
Legacy matters.
🖤 Thank you, Dr. Canady, for breaking barriers and inspiring generations of physicians.
📚 Learn more:
https://www.nlm.nih.gov/exhibition/aframsurgeons/canady.html