Sarah Loguen Fraser

Syracuse University College of Medicine, Class of 1876

Fraser family's pharmacy in the Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic

Dr. Sarah Loguen Fraser, Puerto Plata, 1885

Sarah Loguen Fraser (January 29, 1850 – April 9, 1933) was one of the first African-American women to earn a medical degree in the United States, and she was a pioneering figure in the field of medicine. Her life and career were marked by a commitment to overcoming racial and gender barriers in the medical profession and to providing medical care to underserved communities.

Early Life and Education

Sarah Loguen was born in Syracuse, New York, to Rev. Jermain Wesley Loguen, a prominent abolitionist and bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, and Caroline Storum. Her family's home was a station on the Underground Railroad, which instilled in her a strong sense of justice and humanitarianism from a young age.

In pursuit of higher education, Loguen attended the Syracuse Normal School, now known as the State University of New York at Cortland. Her desire to become a physician led her to the Syracuse University College of Medicine, where she faced significant racial and gender prejudice. Despite these challenges, she graduated in 1876, becoming one of the first African-American women to earn a medical degree in the United States.

Medical Career

After earning her medical degree, Dr. Sarah Loguen Fraser initially practiced medicine in Syracuse, New York, where she focused on providing care to the city's poor and underserved populations. Her commitment to healthcare and social justice led her to move to the Dominican Republic, where she believed she could make a significant impact. In the Dominican Republic, she continued her practice, focusing on women and children's health, and became a respected member of the medical community.

Legacy

Dr. Sarah Loguen Fraser's legacy is one of perseverance, dedication, and groundbreaking achievements in the face of adversity. She not only broke racial and gender barriers in the medical profession but also dedicated her life to serving communities in need. Her contributions to medicine and her pioneering spirit have inspired generations of women and African-American physicians.

Her alma mater, Syracuse University, has honored her legacy by naming a scholarship after her, the Sarah Loguen Fraser Scholarship, which is awarded to students who demonstrate a commitment to community service and to promoting diversity in the medical field.

Death

Dr. Sarah Loguen Fraser passed away on April 9, 1933. Her life and work continue to be celebrated for their significant impact on the medical profession and on the communities she served.