Professor and Dr Richard D. deShazo et al’s series of articles dealing with the history of African American medical school applicants and physicians in the Deep South during the contentious years of desegregation represent the very best articles published in The American Journal of Medicine during 2014.
Dr deShazo et al courageously detail the various ways in which discriminatory practices were used to deny African American premedical students access to previously “all white” medical schools in the South. In addition, they describe the equally unjust treatment of practicing African American physicians by their white colleagues in a variety of professional venues, including local medical societies. Dr deShazo et al emphasize the courage of these physicians who were subjected to a variety of professional and personal threats, causing some to leave their homes and practices and resettle in other parts of the country.
The battle for justice and civil rights in our country continues today. Dr deShazo et al’s articles remind us all that this is a country for all people, not just individuals of one skin color, religion, or political persuasion. The Editorial Board of The American Journal of Medicine congratulates Dr deShazo et al for their courageous and scholarly effort. We are proud to have Dr deShazo as our colleague and member of the Editorial Board.
Read the Best of 2014 by deShazo et al.
A White Dean and Black Physicians at the Epicenter of the Civil Rights Movement
