Dr Rebecca Lee Crumpler Essay Outline

Lauren Stroupe
Mr. Jones
Writing
23 March 2023 Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler: The Heroine of African American Doctors
Introduction
Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler was a luminary example of a valiant heroine. Her work as a groundbreaking physician has earned her-her honorary remembrance. As the saying goes, not all heroes wear capes, some wear badges or heavy equipment, others wear their heart on their sleeve, yet one hero, who’s great work went almost unrecognized to history, wears a stethoscope and the scars of those who implemented different stereotypes upon her. Living in a world where, because of the color of her skin, others believed she wasn’t smart enough or even deserving of a chance to have a career, Dr. Crumpler broke down barriers and paved

Crumpler’s love for aiding others came at a young age and inspired her career. Her first working experience consisted of helping neighbors alongside her aunt in Pennsylvania. “Her aunt frequently cared for sick neighbors, and Crumpler accompanied her aunt on these trips” (Rothberg). Aiding those in need of medical attention was an introduction to Crumpler’s life devotion, at a young age. This early working experience inspired her studies in college. “Crumpler credits these efforts by her aunt for inspiring her to enter the medical profession” (Tomasi). Crumpler worked for multiple doctors in a nursing apprenticeship, after moving to Massachusetts in 1852. At the time, there was no formal nursing school, and if there had been, times wouldn’t have allowed someone like Crumpler to attend. She continued to follow through with this training profession for eight years. The introduction to working as medical aid with her auntie served as a stepping point in guiding Crumpler’s

Being both African American and female took its toll on Crumpler’s practices, yet she persisted. While focusing on her studies at the New England Female Medical College, Crumpler was ridiculed by colleagues. “She faced intense racism and sexism working as a physician in the postwar South” (Balzer). Knowing the light at the end of the tunnel would be her promising career as a physician, Crumpler kept going despite the abuse. “White doctors ignored her, made jokes at her expense and discounted her work” (“Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler”). Fellow colleagues of Crumpler’s even went as far as telling the head educators of their college that her brain was too small for this line of profession, all because her working ethics consisted of heavy concentration. This torment of hers was a small price to pay in order to achieve her goal in becoming a doctor. Despite the challenges that presented themselves during Crumpler’s most vital time of work, she continued to pursue working to be a