audiobook Black Physicians in the Jim Crow South; 1880–1960 by Thomas J. Ward Jr. in History

Review

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. For Medical History buffs as well as African American StudiesBy AfroAmericanHeritageWhen author Thomas Ward first set out to write this history; he received a gentle but fortuitous dope-slap from one of his early interviewees. When asked what it was like to be a black physician in the South in the late 1950's; Dr. Page replied; "I don't know; but I can tell you what it was like to be Matthew Page." Thus Ward avoids the common trap of trying to homogenize experiences which were actually quite diverse.Which is not to say he doesn't explore common threads; such as the rise and fall of black medical colleges; the policies of philanthropists and the AMA which excluded black doctors from pursuing specialities and research; their social status - or lack thereof - in the Southern black and white communities; their exclusion from residencies; medical societies; denial of hospital privileges; etc. But individual motivations; educations; and practices varied widely; as did race commitment. Class consciousness caused some to exploit members of the black lower classes (e.g.. black doctors participated in the infamous Tuskegee Syphilis Experiment up until it was shut down in the 1970's) while it motivated others to work to uplift the underprivileged black masses. Some used a medical degree as their ticket out of the South altogether; while others became the pillars of their community.This book is a welcome addition to our growing awareness of how Jim Crow's legacy continues to have consequences for the entire nation. It's of interest to medical history buffs as well as African American studies.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Ward's Black Physicians in the Jim Crow SouthBy Mrs. Irene R. ClarkI thoroughly enjoyed and was enriched by this history. It seems to reconfirm what was occuring in my research area [History of St. Agnes Hospital and Training School for Nurses - Raleigh; NC]. Although I contacted Dr. Ward by email and got a response; I only wish I had been able to contact him before he published. I am very pleased with the amount and caliber of American medical history which he has provided. It in not just Black history. There is yet so much more to record in the history books and textbooks of today and tomorrow.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Black Physicians in the Jim Crow SouthBy Kerry F. MccarthyThe book was both interesting and inspirational. It's portrayal of the stuggle of black physicians is eye opening and should be required reading for all students of this country's history.