INDIANAPOLIS—Indiana University School of Medicine is joining the National Library of Medicine and the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture in recognizing past and present African American academic surgeons with a traveling exhibit. The exhibit, called Opening Doors: Contemporary African American Academic Surgeons, features past and present IU School of Medicine African American academic surgeons.
The journey of the African American physician from pre-Civil War to modern day America has been a challenging one. Early black pioneer physicians not only became skilled practitioners—they became trailblazers and educators, paving the way for future physicians, surgeons and nurses, and opening doors to better health care for the African American community.
The achievements of these pioneers in medicine is being celebrated by highlighting contemporary pioneer African American surgeons and educators who exemplify excellence in their fields and believe in continuing the journey of excellence through the education and mentoring of young African Americans pursuing medical careers.
Highlighted IU School of Medicine academic surgeons include:
- George H. Rawls, MD, former Assistant Dean of Medical Student Affairs and Clinical Professor Emeritus of Surgery
- Clark Simons, MD, Associate Professor of Clinical Surgery
- Brian Brewer, MD, Assistant Professor of Clinical Surgery
- Sade O. Imeokparia, MD, Assistant Professor of Clinical Surgery
- Peter C. Jenkins, MD, Assistant Professor of Surgery
- Fatuma Kromah, MD, Assistant Professor of Clinical Surgery
- Chemen Neal, MD, Assistant Professor of Clinical Obstetrics & Gynecology
- Brownsyne Tucker Edmonds, MD, MPH, MS, Assistant Dean for Diversity Affairs, Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Abideen Yekinni, MD, Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology
The exhibit is open to the public for viewing. Locations and viewing hours are listed below.
February 10-21—Ruth Lilly Medical Library (RLML)
975 W. Walnut St., Indianapolis IN 46202
February 10-13: 7 am-midnight
February 14: 7 am-9 pm
February 15: 8:30 am-9 pm
February 16: 12 pm-midnight
February 17-20: 7 am-midnight
February 21: 7 am-1 pm
February 24-28—Fairbanks Hall Atrium
340 W. 10th St., Indianapolis, IN 46202
February 24-27: 8 am-5 pm
February 28: 8 am-3 pm
*Note: Exhibit will not be on display on Wednesday, February 26
February 29-March 6—IUPUI University Library Atrium
755 W. Michigan St., Indianapolis, IN 46202
February 29: 8 am-6 pm
March 1: 10 am-midnight
March 2-6: 7:30 am-midnight
March 7: 7:30 am-3 pm
*Note: Exhibit will not be on display on March 3
March 7-13—Crispus Attucks Museum
1140 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St., Indianapolis, IN 46202
March 7-8: 10 am-2 pm
March 9-12: 8 am-5 pm
March 13: 8 am-3 pm
There will also be a special event on March 4 to celebrate the exhibit and recognize the legacy and contributions of African American academic surgeons at IU School of Medicine. This event is open to the public. Time and location details are listed below.
March 4—Fairbanks Hall, Room 1110-1112
340 W. 10th St., Indianapolis, IN 46202
6-8 pm
The Opening Doors: Contemporary African American Academic Surgeons exhibit was developed and produced by the National Library of Medicine and the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture. The residency and celebration of the Opening Doors exhibit is possible thanks to the collaborative work of several Indiana University School of Medicine departments and offices, Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis (IUPUI) and the city of Indianapolis.