In 1783 who became the country's first African american Physicaian?

Question

he also is reconized as a leading specailist in throat disorders

Answer 1

http://www.black-collegian.com/issues/1999-08/history101.shtml
15. In 1783, James Derham, who was born into slavery in Philadelphia in 1762, became the first African American to practice this profession in the United States. What profession did he practice?


http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/harlem_renaissance/89272
The first black physician in America, not professionally trained in a medical school, was James Derham. Derham, born a slave in Philadelphia in 1757, was owned by three doctors. Dr. Robert Love, his third owner, encouraged Derham to practice medicine. Working as a medical assistant and apothecary, Derham saved enough money to buy his freedom in 1783 and opened a medical practice in New Orleans. By the age of 26, Derham's New Orleans' practice earned him over $3,000 annually. Derham met Dr. Benjamin Rush, the father of American medicine, during a visit to Philadelphia.


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www.BlackSingles.comRush was impressed with Derham and convinced him to relocate his practice to Philadelphia. Derham received respect and admiration from his colleagues, and became nationally renowned as a leading specialist in throat disorders and the relationship between climate and disease. Benjamin Rush said of Derham, "I have conversed with him upon most of the most acute and epidemic diseases of the country where he lives and was pleased to find him perfectly acquainted with the modern simple mode of practice on these diseases. I expected to have suggested some new medicines to him but he suggested many more to me."

Historians credit James McCune Smith as the individual who best exemplified the nineteenth century African-American physician-abolitionist. Smith has the distinction of being the first university-trained black physician. Smith attended the Free African School of New York. As a child, Smith showed flashes of brilliance. At the age of eleven, he was chosen to give the school's address when General Lafayette visited the school in 1824. At age 19, the Rev. Peter Williams, a Episcopalian priest, helped Smith enroll in the University of Glasgow in Scotland.

He completed study for the B.A. degree in 1835, his M.A. degree in 1836, and his M.D. degree in 1837. Part of Smith's education was sponsored by a British anti-slavery organization known as the Glasgow Emancipation Society.Before leaving Scotland, a farewell dinner was given in Smith's honor. Unrestrained superlatives were given Smith for his stellar academic and private accomplishments during his stay in Scotland. In mid-summer 1837, Smith returned to America.

Though in much demand as a public speaker, Smith, operated quite a successful medical practice, and was the proprietor of two drug stores, but his contributions to the free black community came through his writings and public service activities. Smith was an ardent opponent of colonization and felt that blacks should seek to make their claim on citizenship in America. He was a staunch advocate of an independent black press.

Answer 2

"Dr. James Durham, born into slavery in 1762, buys his freedom and begins his own medical practice in New Orleans, becoming the first African-American doctor in the United States. As a youngster, he was owned by a number of doctors, who taught him how to read and write, mix medicines, and serve and work with patients. Durham had a flourishing medical practice in New Orleans until 1801 when the city restricted his practice because he did not have a formal medical degree."