Twice as Hard

The Stories of Black Women Who Fought to Become Physicians, from the Civil War to the 21st Century

By: Jasmine Brown

Narrated by: Wanda Rush

Black women physicians’ stories have gone untold for far too long, leaving gaping holes in American medical history, in women’s history, and in black history. It’s time to set the record straight

No real account of black women physicians in the US exists, and what little mention is made of these women in existing histories is often insubstantial or altogether incorrect. In this work of extensive research, Jasmine Brown offers a rich new perspective, penning the long-erased stories of nine pioneering black women physicians beginning in 1860, when a black woman first entered medical school. Brown champions these black women physicians, including the stories of:

· Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler, who graduated from medical school only fourteen months after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed and provided medical care for the newly freed slaves who had been neglected and exploited by the medical system.

· Dr. Edith Irby Jones, the first African American to attend a previously white-only medical school in the Jim Crow South, where she was not allowed to eat lunch with her classmates or use the women’s bathroom. Still, Dr. Irby Jones persisted and graduated from medical school, going on to directly inspire other black women to pursue medicine such as . . .

· Dr. Joycelyn Elders, who, after meeting Dr. Irby Jones, changed her career ambitions from becoming a Dillard’s salesclerk to becoming a doctor. In 1993, President Bill Clinton appointed Dr. Elders as the US surgeon general, making her the first African American and second woman to hold this position.

Brown tells the stories of these doctors from the perspective of a black woman in medicine. Her journey as a medical student already has parallels to those of black women who entered medicine generations before her. What she uncovers about these women’s struggles, their need to work twice as hard and be twice as good, and their ultimate success serves as instruction and inspiration for new generations considering a career in medicine or science.

©2023 Jasmine Brown (P)2023 Beacon Press

Critic reviews

“Well-researched reclamation of neglected yet invaluable history . . . Still, Brown, as remarkable as the pioneers she profiles, ends on a high note, vowing to become a ‘changemaker.’”—Booklist, Starred Review

“Brown debuts with an eye-opening history of nine African American women in medicine . . . This immersive tribute to a group of pioneering women will inspire readers of all backgrounds.”—Publishers Weekly

“Brown has given us an important and still unfinished story.”—The Lancet

Promise and Purpose

I enjoyed reading this book. The journey of each is unique. The challenge is against all odds but the necessity to achieve is for the promise to the next generation. I hope we see more representation in medicine and medical education…future generations count on it to survive.

Excellent history sharing

This was a wonderful book of success stories of Black women. We need to be talking more about these trail blazers. Their names should be familiar to all of us, and we should honor them!

An immersive experience

This book is fantastic. It inspires by vividly portraying the stories of African American female physicians in history, highlighting the impossible barriers they overcame during their academic and professional journeys.

Despite facing systemic racism, sexism, and numerous other obstacles, these physicians' unwavering commitment to reducing healthcare disparities allowed them to leave their mark on history.

Wonderful Stories and Inspirational

Amazing book. I was able to visualize the different stories as I was listening. This is a book I can listen to over and over again to get some good encouragement to keep going forward and to make a difference :)

So needed.

As a black woman and medical student, I felt so seen. Navigating/overcoming imposter syndrome, the importance of representation, the power of mirrors, finding your community, serving your community, faith, and the power of resilience despite the obstacles stacked up against you- Jasmine beautifully captures these elements in her thorough account of different black women physicians who made HUGE impacts on the medical field and paved the way for future black women physicians like me. This book is one of my #1 favorites. Reading their stories allowed me to finally have the "mirrors" I needed to be encouraged and strive for greatness. I cannot express how timely this book is. The black excellence overwhelmed me, but I'm here for it. I highly recommend it for book clubs and required summer reading in medical schools. This book surely should be ranked among the great books covering the history of medicine! Jasmine Brown, you did that!

Instructive, validating, inspiring history

EVERYONE in healthcare needs this history lesson. It also gives clear examples of institutional racism, sexism and classism. I had to listen a second time to take it all in. The shear determination of these doctors is mind boggling. The only downside is the narrators mispronunciation/alternate pronunciation of words. The “Eck”specially is my pet peeve. Overall, masterful!!! Student Doctor Jasmine Brown is one to watch!!

Fenominal

I loved the stories told in this book. The power radiated from the words. The triumph was inspiring. As a high school health science teacher, I am recommending this to all of my aspiring young black female students.

Riveting, inspiring, long overdue

This is a must read not just for black physicians but all physicians. This book inspires me to be more and makes me proud of the women who have paved the way for me to be a physician.

Great review

It was very interesting to hear of others experiences in medical training. I feel honored to know that I belong to such an elite group. It underscores the still present need for us to help close the gap in health disparities. How you wrote this while being a medical student gives hope for the next generation of Black female physicians.