This Black History Month, we honor the scientists, doctors, and pioneers whose genius and grit forged new paths in medicine, from vaccine development to health equity.
The history of modern medicine is filled with breakthroughs that define our world. Yet, the crucial contributions of Black women have too often been omitted from this story.
Their work—conducted in the face of systemic racism and gender discrimination—has saved millions of lives, opened doors for future generations, and redefined what is possible in healthcare. Here, we celebrate nine monumental figures whose legacies are the very foundation of progress.
Henrietta Lacks: The Immortal Foundation
Her cells, known as “HeLa,” were taken without her consent in 1951 but became the first immortalized human cell line. For over 70 years, HeLa cells have been indispensable, enabling the polio vaccine, cancer research, gene mapping, and countless other medical breakthroughs, making her one of the most important figures in modern science.
Dr. Kizzmekia S. Corbett: The Architect of a Vaccine
As a viral immunologist at the NIH, her pioneering research on coronaviruses was the critical foundation for the mRNA technology used in the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. Her work led the scientific charge that saved millions of lives during the global pandemic.
Evelyn Carmon Nicol: The Virus Hunter & Advocate
A groundbreaking immunologist and microbiologist, she was the first person to isolate the Herpes Zoster (shingles) virus. One of the first African American women to receive a patent in molecular biology, she was also a powerful advocate for fair hiring practices, fighting the discrimination she faced.
Dr. Marilyn Hughes Gaston: The Champion for Sickle Cell Care
Rising from poverty, she dedicated her career to public health for marginalized communities. Her landmark research on Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) led to the nationwide policy of routine newborn screening for SCD, a practice that has saved countless children’s lives.
Dr. Helen Octavia Dickens: The Pioneer of Women’s Health
The first African American woman admitted to the American College of Surgeons, this legendary OB-GYN dedicated her life to improving health outcomes for Black and low-income women. She was a radical educator, focusing on sexual health to reduce teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.
Ruth Ella Moore: The Academic Trailblazer
She shattered the highest academic barrier, becoming the first African American woman in the United States to earn a Ph.D. in the natural sciences. Her bacteriology research contributed to fighting tuberculosis, understanding blood types, and exploring the gut microbiome.
Dr. May Edward Chinn: The Barrier-Breaking Clinician & Researcher
A relentless “first,” she was the first Black woman to graduate from Bellevue Hospital Medical School, intern at Harlem Hospital, and serve as an ambulance-riding emergency responder in New York. A cancer researcher who helped develop the Pap smear, she also co-founded a society to support Black women entering medical school.
Dr. Jane Cook Wright: The Oncology Innovator
A founding member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), she revolutionized chemotherapy delivery methods. She broke academic ceilings as the first Black woman to become an associate dean of a medical school and the first woman president of the New York Cancer Society.
Dr. Joan Y. Reede: The Architect of Inclusion
As the first Dean for Diversity and Community Partnership at Harvard Medical School, she has built the pipelines for future generations. She created mentorship programs and initiatives that support women and minority students, scientists, and physicians, systematically changing the face of medicine.
A Legacy That Lives On
These women are more than historical footnotes; they are central pillars of global health. Their stories are a powerful testament to resilience, brilliance, and the unwavering belief that healthcare must serve all. This Black History Month, we honor their monumental achievements and the enduring pathways they built.
