Thelma Patten Law facts for kids

Thelma Adele Patten Law (December 30, 1900 – November 12, 1968) was an American doctor. She practiced medicine in Houston, Texas. Dr. Patten Law worked hard to improve the health of African Americans and people in need living in Houston. She made history as the first African American woman accepted into the Harris County Medical Society, a group for doctors in her area.

Dr. Thelma Patten Law: A Life of Care

Early Life and Education

Thelma Adele Patten Law was born on December 30, 1900, in Huntsville, Texas. Her father, Mason B. Patten, encouraged her to become a doctor. Both of her parents, Mason and Pauline, were very involved in the black community in Houston. Her father even started the Houston chapter of the NAACP, a group that works for civil rights.

Thelma went to Colored High School, which later became Booker T. Washington High School. She was a brilliant student and graduated in 1917 as the top student in her class, known as the valedictorian. In 1923, she earned her medical degree from Howard University. The next year, in 1924, she received her medical license, allowing her to practice medicine. While at Howard, she was one of the first members of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority. In 1927, she helped start and became the president of the Houston chapter of this sorority.

Helping Her Community

In 1924, Dr. Patten Law opened her first doctor's office in Houston at the Odd Fellows Temple. Many of her patients were people who couldn't afford medical care. She often saw them at public clinics. She also worked at the Maternal Health Center, which focused on the health of mothers.

During her career, Dr. Patten Law helped deliver many babies. One famous person she helped bring into the world was Congresswoman Barbara Jordan in 1936. In the 1940s, Dr. Patten Law moved her practice to the Fourth Ward area of Houston. She was also a mentor, guiding and teaching many younger doctors, including Catherine J. Roett. Dr. Patten Law also worked hard to get better healthcare for African Americans in Houston.

Breaking Barriers

Dr. Thelma Patten Law was a leader in the medical community. In 1940, she became the president of the Lone Star Medical Association. This was a big achievement. Then, in 1955, she made history again. She became the first African American woman to be accepted into the Harris County Medical Society. This was a major step forward for equality in medicine.

Dr. Thelma Patten Law passed away on November 12, 1968. She was buried at Paradise North Cemetery. Her work greatly improved healthcare for many people in Houston and opened doors for future generations of doctors.