The Reynolds-Finley Historical Library is pleased to feature the exciting and growing African American Medical Collection. This historically important collection celebrates the pioneering efforts contributed by African American physicians, nurses and other health care professionals.

Some of the items include a New-England Female Medical College catalogue listing the 1864 graduation of Rebecca Lee, the first African American woman to be granted a medical degree; a rare autobiography of Dr. J. Edward Perry, an 1895 graduate of Meharry Medical School who later opened a private hospital for African Americans in Kansas City where he trained Black physicians and nurses to provide health care for their communities; two manuscript ledger books of African American obstetrician, Dr. William Worthy, dated 1910-1915; Let there be life: the contemporary account of Edna L. Griffin, M. D. (1947), by Helen Kitchen Branson, a biography of the first African American female physician of Pasadena, California; and more. The development of this collection is ongoing, and we would be pleased to receive ideas and suggestions of significant historical items for its enhancement. Please email suggestions, or set up an appointment to view this collection, with Peggy Balch at pbalch@uab.edu.