--- title: "Black History Spotlight: Dr. Daniel Hale Williams" description: The month of February honors the contributions and sacrifices of African Americans who have helped shape the nation. image: https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/ANMCDkzg0B5l581IdP-WpiE2UH3J-t38NdKtIc33DDyy8s3CSks4wK56L3qyH-gwfH_hSMi8Q49EVxs2LfErWLU5Hm9nGpp2R7JTw_nv0P94nmr_VdXLSY5gpWEGvCLU1TTyfoAQ --- [![](https://usfhp2.knockmedia.dev/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/logo-1.png)](https://blog.usfhp.net/) - [About Us](https://usfhp.net/about/) - [Events & Webinars](https://usfhp.net/events-and-webinars/) - [Contact Us](https://usfhp.net/contact/) [Members](https://member.usfhp.net/) [Providers](https://provider.usfhp.net/) - [Members](https://usfhp.net/members/) - [For Members](https://usfhp.net/members/) - [Members Login](https://member.usfhp.net/) - [Care Management Program](https://usfhp.net/care-management-program/) - [Health Centers](https://usfhp.net/health-centers/) - [Member FAQs](https://usfhp.net/member-faqs/) - [Providers](https://usfhp.net/providers/) - [For Providers](https://usfhp.net/for-providers/) - [Providers Login](https://provider.usfhp.net/) - [Become a Member](https://usfhp.net/eligibility/) - [Eligibility](https://usfhp.net/eligibility/) - [Health Benefit Consultants](https://usfhp.net/health-benefit-consultants) - [Plan Benefits](https://usfhp.net/plan-benefits/) - [Tricare Prime Coverage](https://usfhp.net/tricare-prime-coverage/) - [Enrollment](https://usfhp.net/enrollment/) - [Members](https://usfhp.net/members/) - [For Members](https://usfhp.net/members/) - [Members Login](https://member.usfhp.net/) - [Plan Benefits](https://usfhp.net/plan-benefits/) - [Care Management Program](https://usfhp.net/care-management-program/) - [Health Centers](https://usfhp.net/health-centers/) - [Providers](https://usfhp.net/providers/) - [For Providers](https://usfhp.net/for-providers/) - [Providers Login](https://provider.usfhp.net/) - [Webinars](https://usfhp.net/webinars/) - [Contact](https://usfhp.net/contact/) - [Enrollment](https://usfhp.net/enrollment/) - [About](https://usfhp.net/about/) - [Provider Login](https://provider.usfhp.net/) - [Member Login](https://member.usfhp.net/) ### Contact - - - # Weekly Health Tips # Black History Spotlight: Dr. Daniel Hale Williams Posted by [USFHP](https://blog.usfhp.net/author/usfhp) on Feb 22, 2022 12:00:00 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ![Typical operating theatre in an African American hospital in about 1900.](https://content.api.news/v3/images/bin/71decc39c1f7279e3e93394c420535a8) [Image by Daily Telegraph](https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/chicago-doctor-dr-daniel-williams-first-heart-surgery-patient-lived-another-20-years/news-story/f946adf5d7d805c385483a6caa3c7c3f) The month of February honors the contributions and sacrifices of African Americans who have helped shape the nation. Black History Month celebrates the vibrant culture, achievements and hardships that are an unforgettable part of our country's history. As we celebrate Black History Month, it is important to acknowledge the African Americans who revolutionized the practice of medicine like Dr. Daniel Hale Williams (1856-1931). He is known for being the first surgeon to successfully perform open-heart surgery on a human.  Williams was born in 1856 in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania. In his late teens, he tried different career paths –  barber, bass violinist, and law. Finally discovering his passion, he began his medical studies in 1878 with the sponsorship of a prominent physician in Janesville. Williams received his M.D. from the Chicago Medical College in 1883. He went on to practice medicine in Chicago alongside only three black physicians in Chicago.  **Major Accomplishments** - First Black cardiologist who performed the first successful open heart surgery. - Founded Provident Hospital and Training School, the first interracial hospital. - Co-founded the National Medical Association, a professional organization for black medical practitioners. - First Black physician admitted to the American College of Surgeons. When we look at the life and work of Dr. Daniel Hale Williams, it serves as a vivid reminder for inclusive representation in the medical care field. USFHP celebrates Dr. Williams's work and advocacy for African Americans’ presence in medicine. Visit [usfhp.net](https://www.usfhp.net/) or call 1-800-241-4848 for help finding a provider or assistance scheduling an appointment. Topics: [heart health](https://blog.usfhp.net/topic/heart-health), [American Heart Health Month](https://blog.usfhp.net/topic/american-heart-health-month), [Black History Month](https://blog.usfhp.net/topic/black-history-month) [![](http://usfhp2.test/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Group-1774.png)](https://blog.usfhp.net/) To provide the highest quality health care for uniformed services family members, retirees, and their family members. - - - [Contact Us](https://blog.usfhp.net/) [Member's Portal](https://blog.usfhp.net/) Provider Quick Links - About - Resources - FAQs - Videos [Provider's Portal](https://blog.usfhp.net/) Member Quick Links - [Enroll](http://usfhp2.test/enrollment/) - Benefits - Locations - Webinars --- TRICARE is a registered trademark of the Department of Defense, Defense Health Agency. ©2022 All rights reserved. website by [knockmedia](https://knockmedia.com)