Rebecca Cole

Rebecca J Cole

Rebecca Cole (March 16, 1846 – August 14, 1922) was an American physician, educator, and social reformer. She was the second African American woman to become a doctor in the United States, after Rebecca Lee Crumpler.

Early Life and Education

Rebecca Cole was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She attended the Institute for Colored Youth, which is now known as Cheyney University of Pennsylvania. Cole graduated in 1863 and went on to attend the New England Female Medical College in Boston, where she earned her M.D. in 1867.

Career

After earning her medical degree, Cole returned to Philadelphia and began her medical practice. She worked at the Ladies' Relief Society and later at the New York Infirmary for Women and Children, which was founded by Elizabeth Blackwell and her sister Emily Blackwell. Cole was known for her work in providing medical care to the poor and underserved communities.

In addition to her medical practice, Cole was an advocate for social reform. She worked to improve the living conditions of African Americans and women, and she was involved in various organizations that promoted these causes.

Legacy

Rebecca Cole's contributions to medicine and social reform have been recognized as pioneering efforts in the fight for equality and access to healthcare. Her work paved the way for future generations of African American women in medicine.

See Also

• Rebecca Lee Crumpler
• Elizabeth Blackwell
• Emily Blackwell
• New England Female Medical College
• Cheyney University of Pennsylvania

External Links

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