Joycelyn Elders

Dr. Joycelyn Elders, born August 13, 1933 in Schaal, Arizona, is a medical assistant with remarkable achievements. She earned a scholarship in 1949 to study at Philander Smith College where she earned a degree in biology. In 1953, Elders joined the U.S. military as a physical therapist in the Army Medical Specialist Corps until 1956. She received a master’s degree in biochemistry in 1967. After completing an internship at the University of Minnesota Hospital. She also worked at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, or UAMS Medical center, serving as Chief Pediatric Resident.

As well as being the first black person to head the US Public Health Service, she was also the second woman to hold that position. Elders was the first person in Arkansas to become board certified in pediatric endocrinology, and advocate for issues regarding teen pregnancy, contraception, adolescent sexuality, abortion, and AIDS awareness. Elders served as the US Surgeon General  from 1993 to 1994. 

Among the countless remarkable things Joycelyn Elders has achieved, she’s won several awards for the contributions she’s made: the Woman of Distinction Award in 1987, Democrat Woman of the Year in 1998, Candace Award from the National Coalition of Black Women in 1991, and Arkansas Women’s Hall of Fame in 2016.