Yvonne Thornton facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Yvonne S. Thornton
Dr. Thornton
Born	New York City, U.S.
Alma mater	Monmouth University Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons Columbia School of Public Health
Scientific career
Fields	Obstetrics and gynecology, Maternal-fetal medicine

Yvonne S. Thornton is an American doctor who specializes in women's health and babies. She is also a talented musician and a successful author. Dr. Thornton is widely known for her book, The Ditchdigger's Daughters. This book shares the inspiring story of her family.

About Dr. Thornton's Life and Work

Early Life and Education

Dr. Yvonne S. Thornton was born in New York City. She grew up in Long Branch, New Jersey. She was the third of five daughters born to Donald and Itasker Thornton. Her father, Donald, worked hard as a ditchdigger. He had a big dream for all six of his daughters: he wanted them all to become doctors. This was a challenging goal, especially because of the economic and racial barriers they faced.

The story of how her family worked to achieve this dream became the subject of her famous book, The Ditchdigger's Daughters. Dr. Thornton has said that her childhood experiences greatly influenced her decision to go to medical school.

She attended Monmouth University for her college studies. After that, she was accepted into medical school at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. During the summer before medical school, Dr. Thornton made history. She was the first African-American contestant to appear on the original Jeopardy! TV show.

Medical Career Highlights

In 1979, Dr. Thornton and her husband joined the United States Navy. She became a Lieutenant Commander in the Medical Corps. She worked at the National Naval Medical Center in Maryland.

In 1981, Dr. Thornton achieved another important milestone. She became the first Black woman in the United States to be certified in maternal-fetal medicine. This special field focuses on the health of both the mother and the baby during pregnancy.

She worked at several hospitals in New York and New Jersey. Dr. Thornton was a pioneer in a medical procedure called chorionic villus sampling. This procedure helps doctors check on a baby's health during pregnancy. Her expertise caught the attention of Oprah Winfrey. Oprah invited Dr. Thornton to appear on The Oprah Winfrey Show in 1993.

Writing and Recognition

In 1995, Dr. Thornton wrote The Ditchdigger's Daughters. The book told the story of her parents' dream for their children to become doctors. The book was very successful. It was translated into 19 different languages. Its success led to Dr. Thornton being invited back to The Oprah Winfrey Show.

The Ditchdigger's Daughters was also made into a television movie in 1997. The movie was produced by the Family Channel. Actress Kimberly Elise won an award for her role in the film.

Dr. Thornton continued her education, earning a Master's degree in Public Health in 1996. In 1997, she published her second book, Woman to Woman. She later became a full professor at Weill Cornell Medical College. Today, she is a professor emeritus at New York Medical College.

Family Life

Dr. Thornton married her medical school classmate, Dr. Shearwood J. McClelland, in 1974. Her husband was a director of Orthopaedic Surgery at Harlem Hospital Center for 25 years. They have two children, both of whom followed in their parents' footsteps and became doctors. Their children are Dr. Shearwood McClelland, III, and Dr. Kimberly I. McClelland. Dr. Thornton has lived in Teaneck, New Jersey.

Awards and Special Honors

While many people know Dr. Thornton for her successful book and the TV movie, she has received many other honors. She has been given several honorary doctorate degrees.

Her second memoir, Something to Prove: A Daughter's Journey to Fulfill a Father's Legacy, was released in 2010. This book won the Grand Prize at the 2011 New York Book Festival. In 2013, she was named a "Living Legend" by the Joseph Tyler Chapter of the National Medical Association.

In 2017, Dr. Thornton received a very special award. She was honored with the Virginia Kneeland Frantz award for Distinguished Women in Medicine. This is the highest award for a female graduate of Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons.