Frances Jones Bonner

Frances Jones Bonner

Frances Jones Bonner
Born	(1919-12-04)December 4, 1919 Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
Died	December 29, 2000(2000-12-29) (aged 81) Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
Nationality	American
Occupation	Physician, psychiatrist
Known for	First African-American woman to become a tenured professor at Harvard Medical School

Frances Jones Bonner (December 4, 1919 – December 29, 2000) was an American physician and psychiatrist. She was the first African-American woman to become a tenured professor at Harvard Medical School.

Early life and education

Frances Jones Bonner was born in Boston, Massachusetts. She attended Radcliffe College, where she earned her undergraduate degree. She then went on to receive her medical degree from Boston University School of Medicine.

Career

Bonner began her career at Boston City Hospital, where she completed her internship and residency in psychiatry. She later joined the faculty at Harvard Medical School, where she became the first African-American woman to achieve tenure. Her work focused on the intersection of race, culture, and mental health, and she was a pioneer in the field of transcultural psychiatry.

Contributions to Psychiatry

Bonner's research and clinical work significantly advanced the understanding of how cultural and racial factors influence mental health. She published numerous articles and book chapters on these topics and was a sought-after speaker at national and international conferences.

Legacy

Frances Jones Bonner's contributions to the field of psychiatry and her role as a trailblazer for African-American women in medicine have left a lasting impact. She is remembered for her dedication to improving mental health care for underserved populations and for her mentorship of young physicians and psychiatrists.

Personal life

Bonner was married and had two children. She was also active in various community organizations and was known for her commitment to social justice.

See also

• Harvard Medical School
• Transcultural psychiatry
• African-American women in medicine