Dr. Jane C. Wright
Becoming A Cancer Researcher
- Jane and her father researched anti-cancer chemicals
- They would perform patient trials- Jane with the patients and Dr. Louis Wright in the lab
- Performed patient trials on those with leukemia or other cancers of the lymphatic system
Accomplishments
- After her father died in 1952, Jane took over as director of cancer research foundation at Harlem hospital
- In 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson appointed Jane to President of commission on heart disease cancer
- Jane was the Highest ranking african american woman in US Medical Institution in 1967
- In 1971 Jane C. Wright became the first female president of the New York Cancer Society
- After a long and successful career she retired in 1987
The Wright Family History
Start of Career
- Dr. Louis T. Wright- first black graduate of Harvard and first black doctor on staff on a New York city hospital
- Her grandfather was an early graduate of the first African American medical school in Nashville
Background
- After graduation, she began an internship at Bellevue Hospital
- She continued at Harlem Hospital as a resident in internal medicine
- In 1949 Jane was hired as staff physician with New York City Public Schools, but left 6 months after starting to join her father in cancer research
Dr. Jane C Wright
- Born November 30, 1919 in New York
- Oldest out of two siblings
- Parents were Dr. Louis T. Wright and Corinne Cooke
- Followed in the footsteps of her paternal side of the family
- Died on February 19, 2013 in New Jersey at the age of 93
Studies
- Jane excelled in her studies
- She attended Smith College on a scholarship
- She graduate from Smith College in 1942 and enrolled at New York Medical College on a scholarship
- Jane was voted vice president of her class and graduate with honors in 1945
Personal Life
- Growing up Jane enjoyed science and math
- Jane was on the swim team and continued it in college
- She got married in 1947 and had two children