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Date: 1783
Who: James Derham
Where: New Orleans, Louisiana
What: Practiced medicine and became well-known for his medical knowledge and
skills.
Details: James Derham was born into slavery but was allowed to work as a medical assistant by his various owners, who were physicians. His last owner, Dr. Robert Dove of New Orleans, allowed Derham to work in his medical practice and eventually granted him freedom. After purchasing his freedom, Derham established a successful medical practice in New Orleans. He was recognized for his expertise in treating diphtheria and became well-known among Black and white communities. Derham's reputation even garnered the attention of Dr. Benjamin Rush, a prominent physician and one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, who corresponded with him and praised his medical skills.
Why: Derham's success as a physician during a time when African Americans faced severe restrictions and discrimination in the medical field highlights the resilience and contributions of Black professionals. His work laid the groundwork for future Black physicians, demonstrating that African Americans could excel in the medical profession despite the systemic barriers they faced.
Sources:
Journal Articles:
Wynes, C. E. (1979). Dr. James Durham, mysterious eighteenth-century Black physician: Man or myth? The Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography, 103(3), 325-333. https://journals.psu.edu/pmhb/article/view/43545
Websites:
College of Physicians of Philadelphia. (n.d.). James Durham: 18th Century African American Physician. https://collegeofphysicians.org/programs/education-blog/james-durham-18th-century-african-american-physician
University of Illinois at Chicago Blog. (n.d.). James Derham: The First African American Physician. https://blogs.uofi.uic.edu/view/8318/1485189907
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