A trail blazer!

In honor of Black history month, I thought I would highlight former and first black surgeon general Joycelyn Elders.  She was born into a family of 8, with no money and no nearby access to hospitals that accepted Black women in Schaal Arkansas with a population of 98. 

She was taught to read by her mother and later became valedictorian of her class, granted a full scholarship to Philander in Little Rock before joining the US Army Medical Corps, followed by earning her MD from the University of Arkansas.

She is known for her years conducting research on childhood diseases, and heavily championing school based health programs in poor areas while Director of the Arkansas DOH.

A trail blazer and well ahead of her time, she was opposed by many throughout her career.  As surgeon general - appointed by Clinton in 1993 - she promoted that it’s ok and natural for kids to masturbate, championed the use of condoms in school, to prevent STDs and pregnancy.  She also advocated for drug legislation and for safe, open access to abortions. So ahead of her time that 30 years later, as a nation, we are debating many of the very same issues.

An exceptional and insightful woman prepared to risk everything through relentless adversity for the service of others.

#joycelynelders #blackhistorymonth #obgyn #ladydocfolsom #ruthhaskinsmd