Clarence Sumner Greene, Sr. (1901-1957): The First Board-Certified Black Neurosurgeon in the United States.

BACKGROUND

This historical account reviews the life and lasting impact of Dr. Clarence Sumner Greene Sr. in neurosurgery. The article covers his early childhood, adulthood, and late-adulthood years to provide insights into his achievements and the lasting impact.

METHODS

The writing of this project was sparked by the discovery of original scientific and bibliographical information about Greene Sr. The article thoroughly reviews Greene's upbringing, achievements, and the significance of his work on modern medicine.

RESULTS

Clarence Sumner Greene, Sr. paved for African American physicians within neurosurgery and other medical specialties. While living through the segregation and progressive eras, Greene pursued his medical education at Howard University College of Medicine from 1932 to 1936 and graduated at the age of 34. He completed his general residency training at Howard and went on to become an assistant professor of surgery at Howard University School of Medicine in 1943. Five years later, Dr. Wilder G. Penfield offered Greene the chance to train under him in a 2-year neurosurgery residency program at the Montreal Neurological Institute of McGill University from 1947 to 1949. Greene returned to Howard in 1949, eventually becoming the Chief of Neurosurgery and overhauling neurosurgical care by introducing advanced surgical and diagnostic procedures until his unfortunate death in 1957.

CONCLUSIONS

Our article provides glimpses into the life of Dr. Greene Sr. and his marked impact on neurosurgery. His significant contributions to the field of medicine and ability to strive through racial barriers and social injustice provide guidance, support, and encouragement to aspiring physicians from all backgrounds.