Myra Adele Logan, M.D.
from the Class of 1933 yearbook
Myra Adele Logan (1908-1977), a member of the Class of 1933 at New York Medical College, was a distinguished surgeon whose accomplishments included being the first woman to perform open heart surgery. She contributed to the development of life-saving medical treatment and to the expansion of diversity in medical practice.
Birth: 1908
Death: 1977
Education:
At New York Medical College:
Myra Adele Logan, M.D. was a prominent surgeon and alumnus of New York Medical College who made significant contributions to the practice and study of medicine as well as having made significant strides towards improved diversity within medical practice. Born in 1908, Dr. Logan was the first recipient of the Walter Gray Crump Scholarship for Young Women. She graduated from New York Medical College in 1933 and began her internship through the Harlem Physician’s Project. Dr. Logan was the second female, African American physician to work with the project1.
Dr. Logan went on to develop a noteworthy career as a surgeon. In 1943, she became the first female African American to perform open heart surgery. She later was elected as a fellow for the American College of Surgeons, being the first female African American to be elected to the position. Her other medical work involved the development of improved medical treatment. She contributed to work on early antibiotics, including Aureomycin. Dr. Logan also contributed to work on the testing and treatment of breast cancer.
Having already been the first of her demographic in so many positions and accomplishments, she contributed to other diversity efforts. Dr. Logan served on the New York State Committee on Discrimination before her death in 19772.
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