Sixty years after Alvin Crawford, MD, became the first African American to graduate from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center’s College of Medicine, the mutual appreciation shared between him and the university has not faded.
Monday was a day of reminiscence, inspiration, and collaboration for Dr. Crawford as he returned to UT Health Science Center’s Memphis campus to sign copies of his recently published autobiography, meet with students, and present his research.
A renowned expert in orthopedic surgery, Dr. Crawford recently retired as the founding director of the Crawford Spine Center at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, and he is a professor emeritus at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine.
At his book signing in the evening, guests including UT Health Science Center faculty, staff, and students, along with members of the community, lined up in the Mooney Library to greet Dr. Crawford and purchase his autobiography, “The Bone Doctor’s Concerto: Music, Surgery, and the Pieces in Between.” Published in November, the book details Dr. Crawford’s challenges and triumphs, including his humble upbringing in Memphis’ Orange Mound community, playing in jazz bands and almost pursuing a music career, traveling the world as a Navy surgeon, and becoming an influential leader in medicine.
“It was a special gift to have Dr. Crawford join us on campus and back in Memphis,” said Brigitte Grant, vice chancellor for Advancement at UT Health Science Center. “Dr. Crawford epitomizes the UT Health Science Center mission – from his dedication to service, to his passion for lifelong education, along with his decades of excellence in clinical care and research. His story is inspirational, and we are proud to be a part of his legacy.”
Read more at our UTHSC news site.