1937: Robert Elman, MD, one of many white Jewish physicians at Homer G. Phillips Hospital

Washington University’s Robert Elman, MD, chief of surgery at Homer G. Phillips Hospital from 1937 to 1955, is one of many white Jewish physicians who treat patients there alongside Black physician colleagues. 

“Excellence in one’s own field, small as it may be, is the best and perhaps the only way in which each individual can help overcome the worldwide problem of racial discrimination. When a Negro or any other minority group member becomes a devoted and competent physician, everyone tends to forget that he is a Negro, but remembers him merely as a good doctor.”

— Robert Elman, MD

Robert Elman, MD

Image: Robert Elman, MD