UCI School of Medicine Recognizes Women's History Month: Joycelyn Elders, MD

In 1978, M.Joycelyn Elders, MD, made history as the first person in the state of Arkansas to become board certified in pediatric endocrinology. In 1987, Dr. Elders was the first African American woman appointed director of the Arkansas Department of Health. She was also the first African American person and second woman appointed surgeon general of the United States in 1993. Dr. Elders earned the rank of full professor at the University of Arkansas Medical School with more than 100 publications on topics such as juvenile diabetes and sex education. Her research placed particular emphasis on the inequitable health outcomes of young Black women.

Despite these accomplishments, Dr. Elders faced many institutional and ideological challenges throughout her career. In medical school, she was confined to a racially segregated dining room with the university’s cleaning staff. As surgeon general, then leadership of the American Medical Association questioned her credibility and credentials as a physician.

Her views on topics such as sexual behavior, reproductive rights and drug decriminalization drew opposition from both sides of the political aisle. It would be easy to look at the modern prevalence of these issues and thus characterize Dr. Elders as ahead of her time. Except, Dr. Elders is still alive today at the age of 89. She was not ahead of her time because it is in fact, still her time. The totality of her life and legacy serves as a significant reminder that we are never disconnected from history. All individuals have the potential to rewrite a better history for themselves and their communities.

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