Agnes D. Lattimer facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Agnes D. Lattimer
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Lattimer in 1968
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| Born | 1928 Memphis, Tennessee
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| Died | January 9, 2018 (aged 89–90) Chicago, Illinois
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| Nationality | American |
| Education | Fisk University Chicago Medical School |
| Occupation | Educator, Administrator, Physician |
Agnes D. Lattimer (1928–2018) was a very important doctor who specialized in helping children. In 1986, she became the medical director of Cook County Hospital. This was a big deal because she was the first African American woman to lead a major hospital like that.
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About Agnes D. Lattimer
Agnes D. Lattimer was born in 1928 in Memphis, Tennessee. She was a bright student and went to Fisk University, where she earned a degree in biology in 1949. After college, she continued her education at Chicago Medical School. She was one of only two women in her class when she graduated in 1954.
Her Medical Career
In 1958, Dr. Lattimer started her own private practice as a pediatrician. A pediatrician is a doctor who takes care of babies, children, and teenagers. Over time, she began to focus more on teaching medicine to other students and doctors.
She taught in the Department of Pediatrics at Chicago Medical School. In 1971, she became the head of the Division of Ambulatory Pediatrics at Cook County Hospital. This division helps patients who can visit the hospital for treatment without needing to stay overnight.
A Historic Achievement
Dr. Lattimer made history in 1986. She was chosen to be the medical director of Cook County Hospital. This made her the first African American woman to lead such a large and important hospital in the United States. She worked hard in this role until she retired in 1995.
Fighting Lead Poisoning
In the 1960s, Dr. Lattimer also worked to protect children from lead poisoning. She was the leader of the Chicago Committee Against Lead Poisoning. She spoke up for changes to the city's housing rules. She wanted landlords to be fined if they did not remove dangerous paint chips and loose plaster from buildings. These materials often contained lead, which can be very harmful to children.
Her Personal Life
After finishing college, Agnes Lattimer worked as a housekeeper for a while. She did this to save enough money to go to medical school. She was married during her life.
Dr. Lattimer had many interesting hobbies. In 1966, she earned her pilot's license, which meant she could fly an airplane! She was also very good at playing the card game bridge. She even held a special title called "senior life master" for her skills in the game.
Agnes D. Lattimer passed away on January 9, 2018, in Chicago, Illinois.
