James Derham Influence On Medicine

James Derham was the first African-American to practice medicine in the United States. Born in Philadelphia, Derham started life as a slave. He was owned by three doctors in the area. In one of the households he learned to read and write. In 1788 he was sold to a prominent surgeon in New Orleans, and the surgeon encouraged Derham to learn medicine. Derham showed great aptitude at helping others, and he also quickly learned the art of surgery. He was popular for his medical knowledge but also his fluency in speaking French, English, and Spanish. He would have been a godsend to African-Americans who would not have been allowed to visit a white doctor.Slaves and African-American freemen were not permitted to consult a white doctor. For those people, Derham would have made a big difference. He is quoted as saying about Derham: “I conversed with him on medicine and surgery and found him learned. I thought I could give him information concerning the treatment of disease, but I learned more from him than he could expect from me.”
He was owned by several doctors and by working as a nurse/medical assistant, he saved enough money to purchase his freedom by 1783. He either paid for or was given his freedom (reports vary) and was permitted to practice among the freemen and slaves of New Orleans. Though James Derham’s skills were well-known and his practice flourished, New Orleans passed regulations in 1801 that prevented him from practicing medicine since he had no formal medical degree. Dr. Benjamin Rush, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence and a well-respected physician of the day, visited New Orleans and was introduced to James Derham.He disappeared after 1802. Some think he was lynched. Others feel he went elsewhere to practice