Frances Jones Bonner

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Frances Jones Bonner
Frances Jones Bonner
Born(1919-12-04)December 4, 1919
DiedDecember 29, 2000(2000-12-29) (aged 81)
NationalityAmerican
OccupationPhysician, psychiatrist
Known forFirst 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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

External links[edit | edit source]


Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD