Eliza Ann Grier

Eliza Ann Grier (1864–1902) was an American physician and the first African-American woman licensed to practice medicine in the state of Georgia. She was born into slavery in North Carolina and worked her way through medical school at the Woman's Medical College of Pennsylvania by alternating years of study with years of picking cotton.

Early life and education

Grier was born in 1864 in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. After the Civil War, she moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where she attended the Atlanta Normal and Industrial Institute, a school for African-American students. She then moved to Philadelphia to attend the Woman's Medical College of Pennsylvania, becoming the first African-American woman to be licensed to practice medicine in Georgia.

Career

After graduating from medical school, Grier returned to Georgia to serve the African-American community. She faced numerous challenges, including racial discrimination and financial difficulties. Despite these obstacles, she maintained a medical practice in Atlanta for several years.

Legacy

Grier's legacy continues to inspire and motivate. Her determination and perseverance in the face of adversity have made her a role model for aspiring African-American physicians. In 2011, the National Medical Association recognized her contributions to the medical field.

See also

• List of African-American firsts
• History of medicine in the United States

References

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