Trailblazing Pioneer in Medical History
Dr. Sarah Garland Jones made her name in history as the first African American woman to be certified to practice medicine by the Virginia State Board of Medicine.
Her achievement, which came in 1893, set the way for generations of Black women aspiring to pursue careers in the medical field.
Overcoming Barriers and Pursuing Education
Born in Albemarle County in 1866, Jones grew up among Richmond’s Black elite. Despite the challenges of the era, she pursued her education, graduating from the Richmond Colored Normal School in 1883.
After teaching for five years at the Baker School, Jones embarked on a journey to become a physician, enrolling at Howard University’s medical school in 1890.
Excelling in Medical Examinations
Jones’s determination and intellect were evident when she passed the Virginia Medical Examining Board’s examination in 1893, becoming the first African American woman to achieve this milestone.
Her exceptional performance earned her the highest scores in surgery, practice, and hygiene, demonstrating her prowess in the field.
Addressing Healthcare Disparities
Recognizing the significant healthcare disparities faced by Richmond’s African American community, Jones established a successful practice in the city. She offered a daily free clinic for women and children, addressing the disproportionate rates of stillbirths and mortality among Black women at the time.
“She had a large practice and stood high in the medical profession. . . While Dr. Jones was a colored woman she had scores of white patients.” – The Richmond News Leader obituary
Pioneering Medical Facilities for Black Patients
In collaboration with her husband, Dr. Miles B. Jones, Sarah Garland Jones co-founded the Richmond Hospital in 1895, the first facility in Richmond designed to serve African American patients.
The hospital not only provided essential medical care but also established a training school for nurses, further contributing to the advancement of healthcare in the Black community.
A Legacy Honored and Remembered
Jones’s untimely death in 1905 was mourned by the Richmond community, with hundreds attending her funeral.
Her legacy lived on through the renaming of the hospital she co-founded as the Sarah G. Jones Memorial Hospital in 1912, a fitting tribute to her pioneering spirit and dedication to improving healthcare for all.
