Georgia Rooks Dwelle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Georgia Rooks Dwelle
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Georgia Rooks Dwelle
1884 Atlanta, Georgia, US
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| Died | 1977 |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | Spelman College Meharry Medical College |
| Occupation | Physician |
| Medical career | |
| Field | Physicians |
| Sub-specialties | obstetrics |
Georgia Rooks Dwelle (1884–1977) was an important doctor in Atlanta, Georgia. She specialized in obstetrics, which is caring for pregnant women and babies. She also worked in pediatrics, which is caring for children.
When Dr. Dwelle became a licensed doctor in 1904, she was one of only three African American women doctors in Georgia. She started her medical practice during a time when Jim Crow laws were in place. These laws forced people of different races to be kept separate, especially in schools and hospitals.
To help African Americans in Atlanta get medical care, Dr. Dwelle opened the Dwelle Infirmary. This was the first successful private hospital for African Americans in Atlanta. It was also the first hospital in Atlanta specifically for African American women having babies.
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Early Life and Education
Georgia Rooks Dwelle was born in 1884 in Albany, Georgia. Her parents, Rev. George Henry Dwelle and Eliza Dickerson Dwelle, had been enslaved. Her father actually bought his own freedom.
George Dwelle helped start the Missionary Baptist Convention of Georgia. He was also a leader at Spelman Seminary in Atlanta. At first, Georgia Dwelle followed her father's path. She attended Walker Baptist Institute and then graduated from Spelman Seminary.
She was the first person from Spelman to go to medical school. In 1904, she graduated with high honors from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee. She took extra classes to make up for not having a pre-medical degree.
Dr. Dwelle returned to Augusta, Georgia, to take the state medical exam. She got the highest score that year. People recognized her for her "unusual ability and thoroughness."
Starting a Medical Career
When Dr. Dwelle began practicing medicine in the early 1900s, Jim Crow laws were very strict. These laws meant that medical schools, hospitals, and doctor groups were separated by race. Many people believed that African American doctors were not as good as white doctors.
African American doctors often could not admit their patients to hospitals. This made it very hard for them to provide full medical care. Dr. Dwelle had to overcome many legal and social challenges to build her successful practice. She proved that she was a highly skilled doctor.
After passing her exam, Dr. Dwelle worked in Augusta for two years. In 1906, she moved to Atlanta. There, she started her practice focusing on caring for mothers and children.
The Dwelle Infirmary
Dr. Dwelle wanted to make sure her patients could get hospital care. So, she rented rooms at 14 Boulevard Avenue in northeast Atlanta. This became the Dwelle Infirmary.
The Infirmary officially became a recognized hospital in 1920. It operated from the same rented rooms for 27 years. Dr. Dwelle ran the hospital until she retired in 1949.
Joining Medical Groups
Dr. Dwelle was a member of the National Medical Association. This group was for African American doctors. She led the group's Pediatric Commission, which focused on child health. She also became the vice-president of the association.
Dr. Dwelle was also an officer of the John A. Andrew Clinical Society. She worked on important committees both in the U.S. and around the world. These included the International Children's Fund Committee and the Child-Youth Commission of the United States.
Later Life and Legacy
Dr. Dwelle retired from medicine in 1949. She then moved to Chicago with her second husband. She passed away in 1977.
Dr. Georgia R. Dwelle is remembered for her amazing achievements. Spelman College has even held events like "Dr. Georgia R. Dwelle Appreciation Week" to honor her.
