On This Day: Vincent Porter Became First Black Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

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Howard University Hospital in Washington is seen Friday, Oct. 3, 2014. Howard University Hospital in Washington is seen in this file photo. Dr. Vincent Porter studied medicine at Howard University before becoming the first Black physician board-certified in plastic surgery in 1968, a milestone in U.S. medical history. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
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(AURN News) — On April 27, 1968, Dr. Vincent Porter achieved board certification in plastic surgery, becoming the first Black physician to do so, according to the National Institutes of Health.

A graduate of the City College of New York, Porter studied medicine at Howard University and completed his surgical internship at Queens General Hospital in 1954.

He later returned to New York, joining Harlem Hospital as a faculty member in plastic and reconstructive surgery, where he eventually became chief of the department.

In 1978, Porter succeeded his mentor as program director.

Despite his groundbreaking achievement, his obituary gave little recognition to the historic milestone.

He served in that leadership role for only two years before his untimely death at age 54.

Click play to listen to the AURN News report from Clay Cane. Follow @claycane & @aurnonline for more.

Clay Cane is an award-winning journalist, writer, radio host, and political commentator. A graduate of Rutgers University with a degree in African-American Studies, his work on race, culture, and politics have appeared in national publications, including the Washington Post, CNN, and The Grio. Clay is a regular political commentator on MSNBC. Twitter: @claycane

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