Charles DeWitt Watts

Charles DeWitt Watts

Dr. Charles DeWitt Watts

Charles DeWitt Watts (1917–2004) was a pioneering African American surgeon and a prominent advocate for healthcare equality. He played a significant role in improving medical care for underserved communities and was instrumental in the desegregation of hospitals in the United States.

Early Life and Education

Charles DeWitt Watts was born in Atlanta, Georgia in 1917. He pursued his undergraduate studies at Morehouse College, where he developed a keen interest in medicine. Following his graduation, Watts attended Howard University College of Medicine, earning his medical degree in 1943. His education at Howard University, a historically black university, was pivotal in shaping his commitment to addressing racial disparities in healthcare.

Medical Career

After completing his medical degree, Dr. Watts served in the United States Army during World War II. Following his military service, he completed his surgical residency at Freedmen's Hospital in Washington, D.C., which was affiliated with Howard University.

In 1950, Dr. Watts moved to Durham, North Carolina, where he became the first African American surgeon certified by a surgical board in the state. He joined the staff at Lincoln Hospital, a facility that primarily served the African American community during the era of segregation.

Lincoln Hospital in Durham, North Carolina

Contributions to Healthcare

Dr. Watts was a tireless advocate for the desegregation of hospitals and the improvement of healthcare for African Americans. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Lincoln Community Health Center, which provided comprehensive healthcare services to underserved populations in Durham.

Lincoln Community Health Center

In addition to his work in Durham, Dr. Watts was a founding member of the Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black People, an organization dedicated to addressing issues affecting the African American community. He also served on the North Carolina Board of Medical Examiners, where he worked to ensure that all citizens had access to quality medical care.

Legacy

Dr. Charles DeWitt Watts left a lasting impact on the field of medicine and the communities he served. His efforts in desegregating hospitals and advocating for equal healthcare access paved the way for future generations of African American medical professionals. His legacy is remembered through the continued operation of the Lincoln Community Health Center and the many lives he touched throughout his career.

Related Pages

• Lincoln Hospital (Durham, North Carolina)
• Lincoln Community Health Center
• Morehouse College
• Howard University College of Medicine