Mary Fitzbutler Waring

American physician and activist

Mary Fitzbutler Waring (1870–1958) was an American physician, educator, and civil rights activist. She was one of the first African American women to earn a medical degree in the United States and played a significant role in advocating for the rights and education of African Americans.

Early Life and Education

Mary Fitzbutler Waring was born in 1870 in Louisville, Kentucky. She was the daughter of Dr. Henry Fitzbutler, one of the first African American physicians in Kentucky, and Sarah Helen McCurdy Fitzbutler, a prominent educator. Mary grew up in an environment that valued education and social activism.

Mary attended local schools in Louisville and later enrolled at the University of Michigan, where she earned her medical degree in 1897. She was one of the first African American women to graduate from the University of Michigan Medical School.

Medical Career

After completing her medical education, Mary Fitzbutler Waring returned to Louisville, where she joined her father's medical practice. She specialized in obstetrics and gynecology, providing much-needed medical care to the African American community in Louisville.

In addition to her medical practice, Mary was actively involved in public health initiatives and worked to improve healthcare access for African Americans. She was a member of several medical associations, including the National Medical Association, which was founded to represent African American physicians.

Activism and Advocacy

Mary Fitzbutler Waring was a dedicated civil rights activist. She was involved in various organizations that aimed to improve the social and economic conditions of African Americans. She was a member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and worked closely with other civil rights leaders to advocate for equal rights and opportunities.

Mary also played a significant role in the education of African American youth. She was a strong advocate for the establishment of schools and educational programs for African Americans. Her efforts contributed to the founding of several educational institutions and programs that provided opportunities for African American students.

Personal Life and Legacy

Mary Fitzbutler Waring married Dr. Charles Waring, a fellow physician, and the couple had several children. Throughout her life, Mary remained committed to her work as a physician and activist. She passed away in 1958, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to the medical profession and the fight for civil rights.

Mary Fitzbutler Waring's contributions to medicine and civil rights have been recognized and celebrated by various organizations. Her work paved the way for future generations of African American physicians and activists.

See Also

• African American history
• Women in medicine
• Civil rights movement
• National Medical Association
• NAACP