Born: 1914 (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
Biography:
Dorothy Lavinia Brown, also known as Dr. D., was an African-American surgeon, legislator, and teacher. She was born on January 7, 1914, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Unfortunately, at just five months old, she was surrendered to the Troy Orphan Asylum by her mother, Edna Brown. Dorothy spent her early years at the orphanage until the age of 12.
Despite her challenging upbringing, Brown was determined to make a difference. Two significant events inspired her to pursue a career in surgery. The first was the care she received during her tonsillectomy, which made her appreciate the importance of quality healthcare. The second was a performance she witnessed that instilled a sense of pride in her African-American heritage and motivated her to achieve great things.
Throughout her teenage years, Brown ran away from the orphanage multiple times, returning each time until she was 15. At that point, the principal of Troy High School discovered she was homeless and arranged for her to be taken in by Lola and Samuel Wesley Redmon. Brown then worked as a mother’s helper in the house of Mrs. W. F. Jarrett, located in Albany, New York, just across the Hudson River. She also worked at a self-service laundry during this time.
After completing high school, Brown attended Bennett College, a historically black college in Greensboro, North Carolina. She received a scholarship from the Women’s Division of Christian Service of the Methodist Church. During this period, she worked as a domestic helper to support herself. With the assistance of a Methodist woman from the Division of Christian Service, Brown was admitted to the American College of Surgeons, where she obtained a BA degree in 1941.
Following her graduation, Brown worked as an inspector at the Rochester Army Ordnance Department in New York. However, she felt a calling to continue her education in medicine. In 1944, she was admitted to study medicine at Meharry Medical College, a historically black college in Nashville. She completed her internship at Harlem Hospital in New York City.
Despite facing local opposition to training female surgeons, Brown remained determined and gained approval from the chief surgeon, Dr. Matthew Walker Sr. In 1949, she became a resident at Hubbard Hospital of Meharry. Brown faced various challenges throughout her residency but persevered and completed it in 1954.
During her career, Brown served as a doctor in World War II, providing medical care to servicemen. She also fought for women’s rights and the rights of people of color as a representative in the Tennessee General Assembly. In fact, she was the first African American female to serve in the Tennessee House of Representatives, paving the way for future generations.
Dorothy Lavinia Brown dedicated her life to becoming a skilled surgeon and advocating for those who faced discrimination and inequality. She broke many barriers as the first female surgeon of African-American ancestry from the Southeastern United States. Brown’s numerous accomplishments, perseverance, and commitment to social justice leave an enduring legacy in women’s history.
Awards:
– Recipient of an honorary doctorate from Meharry Medical College
– Inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame in 2006