Every year, each Excelsior subcommittee hosts one of the society’s monthly webinars. In July, the DEI committee hosted the webinar Hidden Figures: Minority Contributions to Military Medicine. The webinar featured an inspiring presentation by DEI Committee Chair and University of Chicago's Trauma Medical Director, Colonel (Retired) Ken Wilson, MD, FACS, US Army.
Colonel Wilson's presentation highlighted the remarkable contributions of minority figures in military medicine. Among the key topics and individuals described in this session are the following:
- 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion: The only all-female African American unit sent overseas during World War II, showcasing their crucial role in ensuring mail delivery to soldiers.
- Alexander T. Augusta: One of the first African American physicians in the Union Army during the Civil War, who also played a significant role in advocating for the fair treatment of African-American soldiers.
- Howard University: Its establishment and vital role in advancing the education and professional development of minority medical professionals.
- Rough Riders: The contributions of African American soldiers in the Spanish-American War, often overlooked in history.
- Alvin V. Blount: His landmark case against Cone Health, which was pivotal in securing privileges for minority physicians.
- Louis T. Wright: A pioneering African American surgeon known for his advancements in treating fractures and head injuries.
- Augustus A. White III: The first African American professor of orthopaedic surgery at Harvard Medical School, renowned for his work on spinal surgery and advocacy for diversity in medicine.
These stories were set against the broader backdrop of the civil rights struggle in the US, emphasizing the resilience and determination of these figures and groups in the face of systemic challenges.
The DEI committee is committed to further uncovering and celebrating these "hidden figures” to highlight the invaluable contributions of minority groups to military medicine, and to ensuring their stories are recognized and remembered. Excelsior members can view the webinar and all other past webinars via the ESS website.
If you know of a story that should be told or wish to participate in the DEI committee’s ongoing journey to uncover and honor the hidden figures throughout history, contact the ESS.
