Dr. Rebecca Crumpler & Dr. Patricia Henderson

Dr. Rebecca Crumpler; 1st African American Doctor.

Out of all the extraordinary women in time I would have to say two of mine are Dr. Rebecca Crumpler and Dr. Patricia Nez Henderson. They both have left their marks in history for many more future doctors to follow. Not only have they received a great education but used the knowledge they obtained in order to aid others.

Dr. Crumpler & Dr. Henderson both helped improve the field of medicine by becoming the first of their ethnic groups to go to college and pursue a career such as the one they held. During their time they had put away their differences and faced their obstacles head on. When they became certified doctors they returned to their communities to help better the health issues that they faced. Although Dr. Crumpler was the first woman to receive M.D and go to medical college and Dr. Henderson was the first native American woman to graduate from Yale, they achieved their successes through different routes. Crumpler was the 1st African American women to become a doctor and was influenced by her aunt. She believed that your ethnicity and gender didn't matter when it came to receiving an education. While Henderson was the 1st Indian American to graduate from Yale with a medical degree, she was influenced by her grandfather. She felt that not everyone knew how to take care of Native tribes without interfering with their religious beliefs so she wanted to continue her grandfather's work by doing so.

Dr. Patricia Henderson; 1st Native American Doctor (patricianezhenderson_full.jpg

Not only were these women helpful in the medical field they were also incredible by being individuals who believed that education should be your main priority. During Dr. Crumpler's time she published a book called "Books of Medical Discourses" that became one of the first medical publications in 1883. While Dr. Henderson is the Vice President to the Research Associate Navajo Nation and Vice President Board of Director to the Black Hills Center for American India Health. As he continues to expand her health services to Native American tribes.

After reading, comparing, and understanding what these two wonderful women have accomplished in their time, I can say that it would be my honor in furthering their work. Dr. Crumpler and Henderson changed the face of medicine by proving that anyone, no matter gender or ethnicity, can make a huge impact on the world. I plan on furthering their work by aiding other young children to strive to do and become beyond what they can ever imagine. I want to be a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner that not only makes children feel better health wise but to demonstrate how they can become strong powerful leaders. In today's society most people have an opportunity to go to school but choose not to, which is going to impact their lives greatly.

Overall, both of these fascinating women exceeded expectations and became the first female doctors of their ethnic backgrounds. They have continued improving medicine and the hopes of other people that dream to be doctors. Even though Dr. Crumpler has passed, her work will continue to live on through the minds of others. Although they might not seem to have done much to others they will always be considered My Heroes.