- First African-American to perform a successful open-heart surgery
>In 1893, Williams performed the world's first successful pericardiotomy, a surgical procedure in which the pericardium, the sac surrounding the heart, is opened to remove fluid or tissue. Williams' patient was a 24-year-old man who had been stabbed in the chest. He credited his success to the use of aseptic techniques, which he had learned from his mentor, Joseph Lister. Williams went on to establish a successful medical practice and founded Provident Hospital, the first African-American-owned and -operated hospital in the United States.
Charles Richard Drew
- Developed and implemented the first large-scale blood banks in the United States.
>During World War II, Charles Drew was assigned by the U.S. Army to organize and direct its blood plasma program, which became known as the "Blood for Britain" program. The program collected and processed blood plasma from volunteer donors and shipped it to British hospitals and military medical facilities. Drew's work helped to save the lives of thousands of Allied soldiers. After the war, Drew returned to the United States and established the American Red Cross's first national blood bank. He continued to work as a medical researcher and educator, and he was named President of Tuskegee University in 1949.
Patricia Bath
- First African-American woman to become an ophthalmologist and pioneer in the field laser surgery.
>Patricia Bath was a highly accomplished ophthalmologist who made significant contributions to her field. She was the first African-American woman to receive a patent for a surgical device and the first African-American woman to be elected to the Board of Directors of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Her research on laser surgery helped to revolutionize the treatment of cataracts and other eye conditions. Bath has also been active in promoting diversity in the medical field. She is the founder of the American Institute for the Prevention of Blindness, which helps underserved populations and African Americans receive high-quality eye care.
Lonnie Johnson
- Inventor of the Super Soaker water gun
>Lonnie Johnson is a successful engineer and entrepreneur who is best known for inventing the Super Soaker water gun. He also holds patents on several other inventions, including a solar-powered toy car and a water purification device. Johnson is a Fellow of the National Academy of Engineering and a recipient of the National Medal of Technology.