Hughenna L. Gauntlett facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Hughenna L. Gauntlett
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Hughenna L. Gauntlett, from a 1947 yearbook
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| Born | September 14, 1915 Siquirres, Costa Rica
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| Died | July 25, 2010 Laredo, Texas, US
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| Other names | Hughenna Gauntlett Santos (married name) |
| Occupation | Physician, surgeon, hospital administrator |
Hughenna Louise Gauntlett (born September 14, 1915 – died July 25, 2010) was an amazing American doctor. She was born in Costa Rica. Dr. Gauntlett made history as the first Black woman surgeon to get a special certification from the American Board of Surgery. This means she was officially recognized as a top surgeon!
Growing Up and Becoming a Doctor
Hughenna was born in Siquirres, Costa Rica. She grew up in Jamaica. Her grandmother, Mary Elizabeth Spencer, was a nurse midwife. This might have inspired Hughenna to help people too.
She went to Atlantic Union College in Massachusetts. In 1946, she started medical school. She studied at the College of Medical Evangelists. This school is now part of Loma Linda University.
Hughenna was the only Black woman in her medical school class. There were 96 students in total. She had to live off-campus because there was no housing for Black women students. Despite these challenges, she finished her medical degree in 1951.
Her Medical Career
After medical school, Dr. Gauntlett worked at Sydenham Hospital in New York City. This was her internship. Later, she joined a private medical practice. It was in Los Angeles, California. She worked with another doctor named Kathleen Jones-King.
In 1959, Dr. Gauntlett and Dr. Jones-King helped their community. They worked at a big clinic. They gave polio vaccinations to many people. This helped keep people safe from the disease.
Becoming a Surgeon
After getting married and having children, Dr. Gauntlett went back to training. She started a surgical residency program. This is special training to become a surgeon. She did this at California Hospital Medical Center.
In 1968, she earned a special certification. It was from the American Board of Surgery. This made her the first Black woman to ever get this important credential. In 1970, she became a fellow of the American College of Surgeons. This is another high honor for surgeons.
In 1980, Dr. Gauntlett became the head of surgery. She led the general surgery department. This was at California Hospital Medical Center. She was also a founding member of the Association of Black Women Physicians. This group started in 1982. She retired from her work in 1986. In 1993, she received a special award. It was called the Olga Jonasson Distinguished Member Award.
Personal Life
Hughenna Gauntlett married Frank Antonio Santos in 1952. He was also a doctor. They had twin sons. Both of their sons grew up to become doctors too!
Hughenna became a United States citizen in 1955. Her husband passed away in 1991. Dr. Gauntlett lived to be 94 years old. She died in 2010 in Laredo, Texas.
