Dr. Patricia Era Bath is an Ophthalmologist, an inventor, and humanitarian. She was born November 4, 1942 in Harlem, New York. After her mother gave her a chemistry set, her interest in science became her passion. As early as 16 years old, she won a scholarship to a National Science Foundation’s Cancer Research workshop. Due to her findings during the workshop, she won the Mademoiselle magazine merit award. She also graduated high school at 16 years old.
Dr. Bath received her Bachelor’s in Chemistry from Manhattan’s Hunter College in 1964. She graduated with honors from Howard University Medical School. In 1968, she started the Volunteer Healthcare services Poor People’s Campaign in Resurrection City summer 1968. This was inspired by Martin Luther King’s Poor People Campaign. Bath interned in Harlem Hospital Center, where she learned that Blacks were eight times more likely to become blind than other races. This was due to lack of ophthalmologic care. While having been awarded a one year fellowship with Harlem Hospital/Columbia University affiliation, Dr. Bath started Community Ophthalmology for those who could not afford the medical care that they needed for their eyes. She operated on the first eye surgery at Columbia University. She has said, “Eyesight is a basic human rights.”
Dr. Patricia Bath was able to achieve all of her successes during a time that she was not only the only woman Ophthalmologist, but the only black woman in a sea of men Ophthalmologists. She kept her eyes focused, literally despite being treated differently than her colleagues. Even her office, early in her career was sitting next to the secretaries, instead of like her male counterparts.
This self-proclaimed nerd has many firsts. Dr. Patricia Bath was the first woman at Jules Stein Eye Institute, the first woman at UCLA Medical Center staff surgeon, first black New York University residency, first black woman to head King-Drew-UCLA Ophthalmology Residency Program and the first doctor and black woman to receive a patent for medical procedure. In 1986, she patented her invention of the Laserphaco Probe. This device helps get rid of cataract via laser. This procedure is less painful and much more precise treatment for removal of cataract. It was her invention that has led to how cataract surgery is done today. She has received numerous honors and awards.
“Believe in the power of truth. Do not allow your mind to become imprisoned by majority thinking. Remember that the limits are science are not the limitations of your imagination” Dr. Patricia E. Bath
