Patton Washington, Georgia E.L.

Impact on the world

Became the first woman to graduate from Meharry Medical College and conducted some of the earliest epidemiological studies in Liberia, identifying anemia and dropsy as prevalent health conditions among the indigenous Kru people.

Life & background

A physician, Patton Washington became the first woman to earn a medical degree from Meharry Medical College in 1893. She went on to conduct early epidemiological research in Liberia, documenting prevalent health conditions among local populations and contributing to early public health understanding in the region.

Sources

1. BlackPast.org; Women of Achievement Inc. (Memphis)