DISC Health Equity Action Lab
Hidden Healers: A Celebration of Historical Black Figures in Medicine: Helen Octavia Dickens, M.D. (1910–2001)
Dr. Helen Octavia Dickens was a groundbreaking doctor who changed women’s reproductive health in the United States. As an obstetrician-gynecologist, she focused on both clinical work and speaking up for patients. Consequently, her efforts greatly improved the care women receive today. Notably, she became the first African American woman admitted to the American College of Surgeons. Furthermore, her research on cervical cancer testing and pregnancy care played a key role in lowering death rates for mothers and babies in underserved areas.
In addition to her daily medical work, Dickens fought hard for early cancer detection in Black women. This was especially important because, at the time, many health systems ignored unfair gaps in women’s health outcomes based on race. Moreover, her leadership changed how doctors are trained and how community health programs are run. As a result, she helped push forward preventive care and fairness in women’s services across the country.
References
Dickens, H. O. (1978). Women and health care: Challenges and opportunities. American College of Surgeons lecture.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2024). History of African American women in ACOG.
About
DISC Health
The Health Equity Action Lab (HEAL) is an initiative by Dynasty Interactive Screen Community aimed at addressing health disparities in the U.S. and globally. By engaging media and stakeholders, HEAL seeks to reduce health inequalities and raise awareness. Their approach includes overcoming socio historical barriers and confronting the institutional, social, and political factors that perpetuate healthcare inequality.
Howard University Hospital (HUH)
Howard University Hospital, established in 1862 as Freedmen’s Hospital, has a rich history of serving African Americans and training top medical professionals. Located in Washington, D.C., it is the only teaching hospital on the campus of a historically Black university. HUH is a Level 1 Trauma Center and a critical healthcare provider for underserved populations. It offers advanced medical services, including robotic surgery, and has received numerous accolades for excellence in specialties like heart care, stroke treatment, and radiology.
Learn more about Howard University Hospital (HUH)
Howard University Faculty Practice Plan (FPP)
The Howard University Faculty Practice Plan is a multi-specialty physician group in Washington, D.C., dedicated to advancing healthcare and eliminating health disparities. It offers comprehensive services, including primary and specialty care, mental health, imaging, and cancer care, all connected to Howard University Hospital. FPP emphasizes patient-centered, respectful care for the diverse community and provides free health screenings and events to promote wellness.
Learn more about Howard University Faculty Practice Plan (FPP
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