Born: 1955 (Goodland, St. Michael Parish, Barbados)
Biography:
Dr. Velma Scantlebury GCM, also known as Velma Scantlebury-White, was born on October 6, 1955, in Goodland, St. Michael Parish, Barbados. Her parents were Kathleen and Delacey Whitstanley Scantlebury. In 1969, when Velma was just 13 years old, her family moved to New York City. She completed her secondary education at Prospect Heights High School in Brooklyn, and in 1973, she enrolled in Long Island University Brooklyn to study biology.
After graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology in 1977, Scantlebury was accepted into both Yale School of Medicine and Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. She decided to attend Columbia University, where she earned her medical degree in 1981. Despite facing discouragement from the surgical faculty, Scantlebury completed her general surgery internship and residency at Harlem Hospital Center, where she found a mentor in Dr. Barbara Barlow, the head of the pediatric surgical department.
During her residency, Scantlebury decided to specialize in pediatric transplantation after meeting Dr. Mark M. Ravitch, a pioneer in the use of medical stapling in the US, at the University of Pittsburgh Children’s Hospital. In 1986, she started her fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine under the guidance of Dr. Thomas Starzl and dedicated the next two years to clinical work.
In 1989, Scantelbury made history as the first African-American woman transplant surgeon after earning her Doctor of Surgery and completing her training at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. In the same year, she married Dr. Harvey White and received the prestigious Gift of Life Award from the National Kidney Foundation. She also began teaching as an assistant professor at the University of Pittsburgh.
Throughout her career, Dr. Scantlebury has performed over 2,000 transplants and has published numerous peer-reviewed papers. She has been recognized with many accolades, including being named to both the Best Doctors in America and Top Doctors in America lists multiple times. In addition, she has been honored with the Woman of Spirit Award for inspiring others and the Gift of Life Award from the National Kidney Foundation.
Dr. Scantlebury’s impact extends beyond her medical achievements. She has been dedicated to education and outreach, particularly within minority communities, to raise awareness about organ transplant. Her efforts have been acknowledged by the Caribbean American Medical and Scientific Association. She has also received the prestigious Order of Barbados Gold Crown of Merit for her commitment and contributions in educating minorities about organ transplantation.
Dr. Velma Scantlebury’s groundbreaking achievements as the first Black woman transplant surgeon in the United States, her extensive clinical experience, and her dedication to educating and inspiring others have left an indelible mark on the field of surgery and on society.
Awards:
– Gift of Life Award from the National Kidney Foundation
– Woman of Spirit Award
– Order of Barbados Gold Crown of Merit