1950-

First African-American woman to be recognized in neurosurgery. Born on November 7 in Lansing, Michigan, she was recognized throughout her school years for her academic ability. Receiving the doctor of medicine in 1975 from the University of Michigan, she completed her residency in neurosurgery at the University of Minnesota in 1981. She has written extensively on pediatric neurosurgery, her specialty. She became director of the Children's Hospital in Detroit in 1987 and a clinical professor at Wayne State University School of Medicine.