Jeanne Spurlock facts for kids
Jeanne Marybeth Spurlock (July 19, 1921 – November 25, 1999) was an American psychiatrist, a professor, and an author. A psychiatrist is a doctor who helps people with their thoughts, feelings, and mental health. Dr. Spurlock worked for the American Psychiatric Association for 17 years. She also led the Department of Psychiatry at Meharry Medical College and taught at George Washington University and Howard University. She had her own private practice and wrote many books and articles.
Quick facts for kids
Jeanne Spurlock
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| Born | July 19, 1921  Sandusky |
| Died | November 25, 1999 (aged 78) Washington, D.C. |
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Contents
Early Life and Education
Jeanne Spurlock was born in Sandusky, Ohio in 1921. She was the oldest of seven children. When she was nine, she broke her leg and had a bad experience at the hospital. She felt there weren't enough caring doctors.
At first, she thought she couldn't afford medical school. So, she decided to become a teacher instead.
College and Medical School
Spurlock went to high school in Detroit, Michigan. In 1940, she started college at Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia. Even with a scholarship, she couldn't finish her studies there.
She then moved to Chicago, Illinois. There, she continued her college degree at Roosevelt University. In 1943, she joined a fast-paced program at Howard University College of Medicine. She earned her medical degree in 1947.
A Career in Psychiatry
After medical school, Dr. Spurlock worked at Provident Hospital in Chicago. She then trained to become a psychiatrist at Cook County Hospital. She finished her training in 1950.
Helping Children and Families
Dr. Spurlock took a special training program in child psychiatry. This was at the Institute for Juvenile Research. She stayed there as a staff psychiatrist for some time. She also worked at other places, helping children and families.
- She helped at the Mental Hygiene Clinic at Women's and Children's Hospital.
- She also advised the Illinois School for the Deaf.
In 1953, she began training in psychoanalysis for adults and children. This was at the Chicago Institute for Psychoanalysis. She also led the Children's Psychosomatic Unit at the University of Illinois.
From 1960 to 1968, she worked at Michael Reese Hospital. She was a psychiatrist there and led the Child Psychiatry Clinic. During this time, she also taught as a professor and had her own private practice.
Leadership and Teaching Roles
In 1968, Dr. Spurlock became the head of the Psychiatry Department at Meharry Medical College. In 1973, she worked as a visiting scientist at the National Institute of Mental Health.
A year later, in 1974, she joined the American Psychiatric Association. She was the deputy medical director there until 1991. She also directed their Office of Minority/National Affairs. She kept her private practice open during this time. She also continued to teach at George Washington University and Howard University.
Advocacy and Activism
Dr. Spurlock was also an activist. She worked hard to convince lawmakers to provide money for medical education. She especially focused on helping minority students get medical training.
She was a member of several important groups:
- American College of Psychiatrists
- National Medical Association
- American Women's Medical Association
- American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
- Black Psychiatrists of America
During the 1960s, she worked with other doctors. They helped care for civil rights workers in Mississippi and Chicago.
Writing and Publications
Dr. Spurlock wrote many academic articles. She focused on topics like sexism, racism, and cultural misunderstandings in mental health. She also served on the boards that review articles for publication.
She published two important books:
- In 1994, she wrote Culturally Diverse Children and Adolescents: Assessment, Diagnosis, and Treatment with Ian A. Canino.
- In 1999, she published Black Psychiatrists and American Psychiatry. This book shared the history and experiences of Black psychiatrists in America.
Awards and Recognition
Dr. Spurlock received many awards for her work:
- In 1971, she won the Edward A Strecker M.D. Award for excellence in psychiatry. She was the first African American and the first woman to receive this award.
- In 1989, she won the Agnes Purcell McGavin Award.
- In 1990, she received the Guardian for Children Award.
- In 1992, she earned a Special Presidential Commendation Award from the American Psychiatric Association.
- In 1996, the American Psychiatric Association gave her the Distinguished Service Award.
- She also won the Solomon Carter Fuller Award.
Legacy
Dr. Spurlock's work continues to inspire others. The American Psychiatric Association created two special programs in her honor: the Jeanne Spurlock Minority Fellowship Achievement Award and the Jeanne Spurlock Congressional Fellowship.
In 2000, after her death, she received the Elizabeth Blackwell Award. This is the highest honor from the American Medical Women's Association.
 | Dorothy Vaughan |
 | Charles Henry Turner |
 | Hildrus Poindexter |
 | Henry Cecil McBay |
