Repost: drmichaelcaldwellmd.com
This past Monday, November 11, 2024, Meharry Medical College marched with Dry January® USA for our veterans. It was a mesmerizing event marked by a powerful sense of unity and purpose. The streets were filled with enthusiastic veterans, their families, and supporters, many waving flags and holding signs that celebrated the service and sacrifice of veterans. The march with Dry January® USA highlighted the importance of sobriety and wellness and the profound connection between military service and the health of our communities. Meharry’s presence underscored its longstanding commitment to veterans, particularly to those who have dedicated their lives to safeguarding the nation. With every step, participants honored a legacy of resilience, health, and healing—a mission that has been at the core of Meharry’s history since its founding days during the Civil War.
Together, Meharry and Dry January® USA sent a powerful message: that caring for our veterans goes beyond physical health—it’s about creating a supportive, thriving community for all. This spirit of unity and dedication was a fitting tribute to Meharry’s rich history, one that has always intertwined healthcare with service, education, and a commitment to underserved populations.
This collaboration was made possible with the efforts of Dr. Michael C Caldwell, Chief Medical Officer of Dry January® USA and Professor at Meharry’s School of Global Health, and everyone who volunteered their efforts for this event
To view the LinkedIn post, click HERE.
The Legacy of Meharry Medical College: A Beacon of Opportunity and Military Service
Meharry Medical College holds a unique and distinguished place in the history of American medicine, particularly in the education of African American physicians. Founded in 1876 in Nashville, Tennessee, it is the oldest historically Black medical school in the South and the second-oldest independent historically Black academic health sciences center in the United States. Its founding was born out of a critical necessity during the Civil War era—a need for African American physicians to provide medical care for the Black community, including the brave African American soldiers who were risking their lives in the conflict.
Origins Rooted in a Time of Change: The Civil War and the Birth of Meharry
The origins of Meharry Medical College can be traced back to the Civil War period. In the early 1860s, the United States was divided, and the war brought to light the disparities and inequities that permeated American society, including healthcare. The Union’s recruitment of African American soldiers highlighted a dire need for Black physicians who could serve their own communities and treat Black soldiers fighting for their freedom and the preservation of the Union. In response to this pressing need, the Freedmen’s Bureau and other organizations began advocating for medical education opportunities for African Americans.
In 1876, with a generous donation from the Meharry brothers, a family of former slave owners of Scottish-Irish descent who had embraced abolitionist ideals, the Medical Department of Central Tennessee College was established. This later evolved into what we now know as Meharry Medical College. The Meharry brothers’ gift was inspired by a desire to “give back” in recognition of a kind act they had experienced from a formerly enslaved man during their westward journey, setting the foundation for a medical school that would prioritize underserved communities and training African American physicians—a mission that remains strong today.
Military Service: A Backbone of Meharry’s Mission
From its inception, Meharry Medical College has had a strong connection to military service. This bond is deeply tied to the Civil War, when the Union Army began enlisting African American men to fight. With few African American doctors to treat them, the necessity for a medical school that could educate Black physicians was urgent. Meharry stepped in to fill this void. The college’s emphasis on training African American doctors not only sought to improve healthcare for African Americans but also to serve the needs of African American soldiers who were instrumental in the Union’s victory.
Throughout history, many Meharry graduates have served in the U.S. military, providing critical healthcare services on the front lines and in military hospitals during pivotal conflicts, including World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and Vietnam. Meharry’s connection to military service goes beyond individual contributions—its commitment to training physicians who are equipped to serve their communities reflects the ethos of service, sacrifice, and resilience that is inherent to military values.
Serving in Times of Crisis: A Tradition of Military and Civilian Service
The medical and military service legacy of Meharry has continued well into the modern era. During World War II, Meharry played a crucial role in providing physicians for the U.S. military, who were not only saving lives on the battlefield but were also instrumental in conducting research on infectious diseases, tropical medicine, and other pressing health issues faced by soldiers. Meharry graduates were among the earliest African American medical officers and were often pioneers in breaking racial barriers within the military’s medical corps.
The tradition of serving the nation in times of crisis is a proud legacy at Meharry. Its graduates have been at the forefront of major health emergencies, both in military and civilian capacities. Whether it was fighting the flu pandemic of 1918, aiding war efforts in the 20th century, or responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, Meharrians have always been on the front lines, embodying the college’s motto: “Worship of God through service to mankind.”
The Importance of Military Members to Meharry’s Legacy and Future
The presence of military members within Meharry’s history has played a crucial role in shaping its values and mission. The military’s need for African American doctors during the Civil War was a primary driver in the establishment of Meharry Medical College, and this bond has continued over the decades. Veterans and those currently serving have enriched Meharry’s student body and faculty, bringing a unique perspective of service and discipline that complements the institution’s dedication to community health and medical education.
As an institution, Meharry has always had a special relationship with those who have served in the armed forces. In recent years, the college has continued to prioritize the education of those with military backgrounds, recognizing that the experience of service members can bring valuable skills and perspectives to the medical field. These individuals are often committed to serving underserved communities, addressing health disparities, and ensuring that all populations have access to quality care—ideals that are at the very heart of Meharry’s mission.
Continuing the Legacy: Meharry’s Commitment to Diversity, Service, and Excellence
Today, Meharry Medical College stands as a testament to the enduring power of education, service, and resilience. It has grown from a small department into a comprehensive health sciences center, including a School of Medicine, a School of Dentistry, a School of Graduate Studies and Research, a School of Applied Computational Sciences, and the new School of Global Health. The college remains dedicated to its original mission of serving the underserved and training diverse healthcare professionals. Its graduates continue to play a vital role in addressing health disparities and advancing medical care in both civilian and military settings.
As Meharry Medical College looks to the future, its commitment to serving the community, the military, and the nation remains unwavering. The challenges may have evolved since the days of the Civil War, but the spirit of service that drove its creation continues to thrive. The legacy of those early African American doctors, who treated soldiers in the heat of battle and civilians in times of peace, endures in each new generation of Meharrians who step forward to serve, heal, and educate.
Meharry’s history is not only a story of medical education; it is a story of a profound and enduring commitment to a vision of healthcare for all—a vision that began in the battlefield, forged by the courage and necessity of military service, and has become a beacon of hope, education, and equity in the field of medicine.
For more information on the paintings seen throughout this article, see the following links:
https://teva.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/reconaa/id/218
This article was written by Ryen Belle Harran and sponsored by Dry January® USA, located at Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN.
