Dr. Charles Drew (1904–1950) was a pioneering African American physician, researcher, and educator, known for his groundbreaking work in blood banking and transfusion medicine. Born in Washington, D.C., Drew earned his Bachelor of Arts from Amherst College in 1926 and his Doctor of Medicine and Master of Surgery degrees from McGill University in 1933. He completed his doctoral thesis on “Banked Blood” and became an authority in the field of blood transfusions.

During World War II, Drew served as the director of the first American Red Cross Blood Bank and played a pivotal role in establishing blood plasma programs for the Allied forces, saving countless lives. His expertise in blood preservation and transfusion techniques significantly improved medical practices during the war.

Despite his achievements, Drew faced racial discrimination in the medical field. He protested against the policy of segregating blood donations based on race, advocating for a universal approach to blood banking. However, his efforts were met with resistance, leading him to resign from his position at the American Red Cross in 1941.

In addition to his groundbreaking contributions to medicine, Dr. Charles Drew was a dedicated educator and advocate for black physicians in America. After completing his medical education, Drew became a faculty member at Howard University, a historically black institution, where he taught and mentored aspiring medical professionals.

As an educator, Drew emphasized the importance of academic excellence and encouraged his students to pursue careers in medicine and scientific research. He played a significant role in nurturing the next generation of African American physicians and scientists, providing them with opportunities for advancement in the medical field.

Furthermore, Drew was a vocal advocate for racial equality in healthcare and worked tirelessly to address the disparities faced by black physicians in America. He co-founded the National Negro Health Week in 1935, which aimed to raise awareness about the health issues affecting African American communities and promote access to medical care.

Throughout his career, Drew fought against racial segregation and discrimination in medicine, advocating for equal opportunities for black physicians and patients. His efforts paved the way for greater diversity and inclusivity in the medical profession, inspiring future generations of minority healthcare professionals to pursue their goals and make meaningful contributions to society.

Historically black medical colleges remain the highest source of African-American physicians today. The dedication of Dr. Charles Drew to the training of African American surgeons at Howard University was crucial to the training of black surgeons in the United States despite systematic racism. During Dr. Drew’s 9-year tenure as Dept Chair at Howard (1941–1950), most of the African Americans certified by the American Board of Surgery (ABS) were trained by him.

Tragically, Dr. Drew died in a car accident on April 1, 1950, at the age of 45. His death was a great loss to the medical community, but his legacy continues to inspire generations of healthcare professionals, particularly those advocating for equality and diversity in medicine.

One significant aspect of his legacy is the creation of the Student Biomedical Association of Spelman (SBAS) in 1968. SBAS is an organization dedicated to promoting diversity and excellence in healthcare professions among students, particularly African American women. The organization honors Dr. Drew’s pioneering contributions to medicine and serves as a testament to his enduring impact on medical education and diversity initiatives.


Eliel Arrey MD MBA

Eliel Arrey, MD., MBA., is a health advisor, business advocate, entrepreneur, surgeon, and educator. He has been an educator for over 15 years and has vast experience teaching undergraduate students, nursing students, medical students, and resident physicians. Dr. Arrey is a physician at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta and a Morehouse School of Medicine physician. He also serves as a faculty member at Kaplan, teaching Neurology and Surgery review courses to medical students worldwide. He is currently a PhD candidate in organizational leadership at Columbia International University.


References:

1. “Charles R. Drew Biography.” Biography.com, A&E Television Networks, 11 Jan. 2018, www.biography.com/scientist/charles-drew.
2. “Dr. Charles Richard Drew: A Forgotten Pioneer in Transfusion Medicine.” National Library of Medicine — National Institutes of Health, www.nlm.nih.gov/exhibition/aframsurgeons/pioneers.html.
3. Hoover EL. Dr. Charles R. Drew: facts, fiction and legend. J Natl Med Assoc 2005; 97(6):837–8.
4. “Student Biomedical Association of Spelman.” Spelman College, www.spelman.edu/academics/majors-and-programs/biology/student-biomedical-association-of-spelman.
5. Wright-Mendoza J. The 1910 Report That Disadvantaged Minority Doctors [Education web site]. 2019. Available at: https://daily.jstor.org/the-1910-report-that-unintentionally-disadvantaged-minority-doctors/. Accessed December, 2023.