N. Louise Young facts for kids

Dr. Nellie Louise Young (June 7, 1907 – September 22, 1997) was a very important doctor. She was the first African American woman to get a medical license in Maryland. Dr. Young was born in Baltimore, Maryland. Her father, Dr. Howard E. Young, was also a pioneer. He was Maryland's first African American pharmacist. Her mother was Estelle Hall Young.

Nellie grew up watching her father work in his pharmacy. This inspired her to become a doctor. She once said she admired doctors and wanted to send her prescriptions to her father's drugstore.

Early Life and Education

Nellie Young went to the old Colored High School in Baltimore. This school is now known as Frederick Douglass High School. She graduated in 1924.

After high school, Young went to Howard University. She earned her bachelor's degree in social sciences. Then, she continued her studies at the Howard University School of Medicine. She earned her medical degree in 1930.

Becoming a Doctor

After medical school, Dr. Young wanted to intern at Provident Hospital in Baltimore. However, she was not accepted there. This was because there was no housing for women interns at the time. So, she completed her internship at Freedmen's Hospital in Washington, D.C..

In 1932, Dr. Young opened her own medical office. It was located right above her father's drugstore. This allowed her to work closely with her family.

Important Work and Advocacy

Dr. Young was dedicated to helping her community. In 1933, she became a staff physician. She worked at the Maryland Training School for Girls until 1940.

During this time, the Baltimore health department faced budget cuts. Dr. Young volunteered her services. She made sure that health care continued in the schools for Black children. She also believed in teaching girls important health information.

Specializing in Medicine

Dr. Young believed that doctors should choose their medical fields freely. She felt this should be "regardless of sex, race, color, and creed."

She first focused on treating children (pediatrics). Later, she decided to specialize in women's health (gynecology). She then became an expert in ob-gyn. This field focuses on pregnancy and childbirth.

From 1950 to 1963, she was the chief of ob-gyn at Provident Hospital. She worked at several hospitals in the area. She often helped to bring together staff members of different backgrounds. Dr. Young retired in 1984. She had practiced medicine for 52 years.

Later Life

Dr. Nellie Louise Young passed away in 1997. She was 90 years old. She is buried in the Mount Auburn Cemetery in Baltimore.