Born: 1946 (Greenwood, Mississippi)
Biography:
Rebecca Anne Becky Allison was an American cardiologist and transgender activist who made significant contributions to the medical field and fought for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community. Her work as a physician and her advocacy efforts have had a lasting impact on society.
Allison was born on December 21, 1946, in Greenwood, Mississippi, to Errol Ward Atkinson and Mabel Blackwell Atkinson. She grew up in a supportive family environment and developed a passion for medicine from an early age. Allison’s journey towards becoming a cardiologist and transgender activist was filled with determination and perseverance.
After completing her education, Allison graduated magna cum laude from the University of Mississippi Medical Center in 1971. She initially practiced primary care/internal medicine, but in 1985, she decided to further her education and specialize in cardiology. This decision marked a turning point in her career and paved the way for her future achievements.
Allison began working in the field of cardiology in 1987 and quickly established herself as a respected and skilled physician. Her expertise and dedication to her patients led to her appointment as Chief of Cardiology at CIGNA in Phoenix, Arizona, in 1998. She held this position for fourteen years, until 2012 when she entered private practice.
Throughout her career, Allison’s commitment to providing quality healthcare for transgender individuals became evident. In 1998, she created drbecky.com, a comprehensive resource site that addressed the medical, legal, and spiritual needs of transgender people. Her website became a valuable source of information and support for the LGBTQ+ community, providing resources such as guides on amending sex on a birth certificate and information on facial feminization surgery.
Allison’s activism extended beyond her medical practice and website. She played a prominent role in various LGBTQ+ organizations, including serving as President of the Gay and Lesbian Medical Association (GLMA) and Chair of the American Medical Association’s Advisory Committee on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Issues. Her contributions in these roles helped advance LGBTQ+ healthcare and raise awareness about the specific needs of the community within the medical field.
In her advocacy work, Allison was instrumental in the passage of AMA Resolution 22, Removing Financial Barriers to Care for Transgender Patients. This resolution aimed to ensure equal access to healthcare for transgender individuals, highlighting Allison’s commitment to combating discrimination and promoting inclusivity in the medical system.
Outside of her professional accomplishments, Allison made an impact on society through her personal relationships as well. She partnered with Margaux Schaffer and together organized the annual Phoenix Transgender Day of Remembrance, an event that commemorated the lives of transgender individuals lost to violence and discrimination. Their efforts helped raise awareness about the challenges faced by the transgender community and fostered a sense of unity and support among LGBTQ+ individuals in Phoenix.
Rebecca Becky Allison left a lasting legacy in the medical field and LGBTQ+ activism. Through her groundbreaking work as a cardiologist and her dedicated advocacy efforts, she championed the rights of transgender individuals and significantly contributed to improving healthcare for the LGBTQ+ community. Her compassion and commitment continue to inspire future generations of physicians and activists as they strive for equality and inclusivity.
Awards:
– Phoenix Magazine’s Top Doctors in Phoenix for 2006, 2007, and 2008.