Miles Vandahurst Lynk facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Miles Vandahurst Lynk
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Photograph of Miles V. Lynk published in 1919.
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| Born | June 3, 1871 Brownsville, Tennessee, United States
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| Died | December 29, 1956 (aged 85) |
| Education | Meharry Medical College |
| Spouse(s) | Beebe Steven Lynk |
Miles Vandahurst Lynk (born June 3, 1871 – died December 29, 1956) was an American doctor and writer. He worked hard to create chances for African Americans in science. He especially helped other doctors.
Lynk started and published the Medical and Surgical Observer. This was the first medical journal made by an African American. He also founded the University of West Tennessee College of Medicine and Surgery.
About Miles Lynk
Miles Lynk was born near Brownsville, Tennessee. He was named after two important church leaders. These leaders were William Henry Miles and Richard H. Vandahurst.
He studied at Meharry Medical College for two years. He graduated in 1891 when he was 19 years old. Soon after, he opened his own medical office. He became the first black doctor in Jackson, Tennessee.
On April 12, 1893, Lynk married Beebe Steven Lynk. She was one of the first African-American women chemists. She also taught chemistry. Miles Lynk passed away on December 29, 1956, at the age of 85.
Helping Others in Medicine
Miles Lynk spent a lot of time helping African American doctors. He wanted to give them more chances to learn and work.
In 1890, he and his wife, Beebe Steven Lynk, started the University of West Tennessee. This school helped many students. Over 23 years, it graduated at least 155 doctors. It also trained pharmacists, nurses, dentists, and lawyers.
The Lynks even took out a loan using their own home. They did this to buy land for the college. Miles Lynk made it possible for African Americans to go to school. Many could not afford it otherwise. He also helped them get ready for medical school.
While he was president of the University of West Tennessee's medical department, he helped start the National Medical Association. This group supports African American doctors. Lynk later received a special award from this association. It was called the Distinguished Service medal.
The First Medical Journal
In 1892, Lynk started the first national medical journal for African-American doctors. It was called The Medical and Surgical Observer. The Library of the Surgeon General's Office in Washington, D.C. recognized it. They called it the "Only Negro M.J. in America."
This journal helped connect black medical professionals. At that time, many were isolated across the United States. The journal was published for about a year. It gave black doctors a place to share ideas. They were often not welcome in white medical groups.
The Medical and Surgical Observer shared news and practical ideas. It helped African-American doctors stay informed. This allowed them to compete with white doctors during a time of segregation.
Books by Miles Lynk
Lynk also wrote several books about African-American history. One important book was The Black Troopers, or the Daring Heroism of the Negro Soldiers in the Spanish–American War.
This book tells the stories of African-American soldiers. It talks about their lives during the Spanish–American War. The first part of the book focused on the challenges they faced. It discussed the unfair treatment and how being drafted affected their families.
The second part of the book looked at soldiers who volunteered. They chose to serve their country. They did this even with all the racial problems and unfairness they experienced.
