Born: 1850 (Syracuse, New York)
Biography:
Sarah Marinda Loguen Fraser, née Loguen, was an American physician and pediatrician who made significant contributions to the field of medicine. Born on January 29, 1850, in Syracuse, New York, she became a trailblazer for African-American women in the medical profession. Her dedication to helping others, despite facing numerous obstacles, set her apart as a remarkable figure in women’s history.
Fraser was the daughter of Jermain Wesley Loguen, a prominent abolitionist who had escaped slavery, and his wife Caroline. Growing up in a house that served as a stop on the underground railroad, Fraser was exposed to the plight of escaped slaves seeking refuge in Canada. This firsthand experience of witnessing their injuries and illnesses ignited her desire to become a physician from a young age. Determined never to see someone in need of aid without being able to help, Fraser set forth on a remarkable journey.
Supported by her family physician, Michael D. Benedict, Fraser started shadowing him, gaining invaluable insights into the world of medicine. Benedict would later become her instructor in some of her medical courses. In 1873, at the age of 23, Fraser was admitted to Syracuse University School of Medicine, now known as State University of New York Upstate Medical University. Her enrollment was met with praise and hope, with a local newspaper stating, This is women’s rights in the right direction.
Fraser’s perseverance and dedication to her studies culminated in her graduation in 1876, making her the first woman to earn an M.D. from Syracuse University School of Medicine. Not only was she a trailblazer for women, but she was also only the fourth African-American woman to become a licensed physician in the United States and the second in the state of New York. Moreover, Fraser was the first African-American woman to graduate from a coeducational medical school, setting an important precedent in the pursuit of gender equality in education.
Continuing her medical journey, Fraser embarked on internships in pediatrics and obstetrics at the Woman’s Hospital of Philadelphia. She then moved on to the New England Hospital for Women and Children to complete her internship in 1878. It was at the latter institution that Fraser developed a passion for obstetrics and midwifery. The unique all-women staffing of the New England Hospital allowed her to witness and contribute to the advancement of women in the medical field.
Fraser’s accomplishments paved the way for future generations of African-American women in medicine, and her legacy continues to inspire aspiring physicians today. Her unwavering commitment to her chosen profession, despite the challenges she faced as a woman of color, cemented her position as a pioneer in the field of medicine.