Louis Tompkins Wright, the son of a man born into slavery, was an outstandi
ng African American surgeon who devoted his life to the racial integration
of health. care in the United States.
Despite the fact that both his father and stepfather were physicians, despi
te his innate intellectual gifts and disciplined character, Wright experien
ced discrimination throughout his life and career. This experience led him
to fight for the rights of African Americans, both health care professional
s and patients.
In addition to making numerous contributions in the fields of surgery and i
nfectious disease, Wright held leadership positions in the National Associa
tion for the Advancement of Colored People for more than 20 years, leaving
a legacy of equity for African Americans in medical education and in health
care.