Rebecca Cole facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Dr Rebecca J. Cole
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| Born | March 16, 1846 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
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| Died | August 14, 1922 (aged 76) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
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| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | Woman's Medical College of Pennsylvania |
| Known for | Second female African American physician |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Internal medicine |
| Institutions | New York Infirmary for Women and Children |
| Doctoral advisor | |
Rebecca J. Cole (March 16, 1846 – August 14, 1922) was an American doctor, a person who started organizations, and a social reformer. In 1867, she became the second African-American woman to become a doctor in the United States. This was just three years after Rebecca Lee Crumpler achieved the same.
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Early Life and Learning
Rebecca Cole was born in Philadelphia on March 16, 1846. She was the second of five children. Throughout her life, she faced challenges because of her race and gender. She trained in medical schools run by women. These schools were led by the first female doctors of that time.
High School and College
Dr. Cole went to high school at the Institute for Colored Youth. There, she studied many subjects like Latin, Greek, and math. She finished high school in 1863. After that, she went to the Woman's Medical College of Pennsylvania. She graduated in 1867. Her supervisor was Ann Preston, who was the first woman dean of the school.
The Woman's Medical College was started in 1850. It was the world's first medical school for women. It was founded by people who wanted to end slavery and stop alcohol use. Rebecca's medical paper was called The Eye and Its Appendages. She faced difficulties because of her race while studying, but she worked hard and succeeded.
Her Medical Career
After finishing medical school, Dr. Cole worked at Elizabeth Blackwell's New York Infirmary for Indigent Women and Children. This was a hospital for women and children who were poor.
Helping Families in Need
In New York, Dr. Cole visited homes in poor neighborhoods. Her job was to teach women about caring for themselves during pregnancy and about staying clean and healthy. She was a pioneer in helping these poor women and children get medical care.
Working in Different Cities
Dr. Cole later worked in South Carolina. Then, she came back to Philadelphia. In 1873, she opened a center with Charlotte Abbey. It was called the Women's Directory Center. This center offered medical and legal help to women and children who had very little money.
In 1899, she became the superintendent of a home in Washington, D.C.. This home helped poor African-American women and children. Reports from that time said she was very good at her job. She was described as having "ability, energy, experience, tact." Another report mentioned her "cheerful optimism" and how she made everyone around her happy.
Her Legacy
Dr. Cole practiced medicine for 50 years. Sadly, not many records or photos of her have survived. She passed away in 1922 and is buried at Eden Cemetery in Collingdale, Pennsylvania.
In 2015, Dr. Cole was honored by the University City Science Center in Philadelphia. She was chosen for their Innovators Walk of Fame.
See also
In Spanish: Rebecca Cole para niños
