WSSU School of Health Sciences honors Healthcare Legends of East Winston

Winston-Salem State University's School of Health Sciences (SOHS) honored six individuals and two organizations that have made a positive impact on the health and wellness of the residents of East Winston during the inaugural Healthcare Legends of East Winston on Friday, Nov. 17.

“We were pleased to recognize these legends who made healthcare possible at a time in our history when African American residents had very limited access to quality services,” said Dr. Peggy Valentine, SOHS dean. “As we celebrate Winston-Salem State University’s 125th anniversary this year, we saw this as an opportunity to showcase the role that WSSU played in healthcare, dating back to 1902 with the opening of the Slater Hospital on campus, the first black hospital in Winston. Some of the historic contributions to the East Winston community by legendary healthcare professionals were highlighted. Through the event, our hope is to instill a sense of pride in the community surrounding WSSU and to shine a light on the early efforts and groundbreaking work to reduce racial and ethnic health disparities.”  

Honorees were:

• Dr. Harvey H. Allen Sr., a surgeon who practiced at Kate B. Reynolds Memorial Hospital.
• Lula Hairston, first head nurse and director of Slater Hospital, which opened in 1902. 
• Dr. Humphrey H. Hall, the first African-American physician to practice in Forsyth County.
• Dr. H. Rembert Malloy, the first African American in the South with a practice limited to the specialty of surgery. He’s noted for performing more surgeries than any other physician in Forsyth County.
• Dr. Alexander Hamilton Ray, appointed regular physician for Winston-Salem Teachers College and instrumental in planning the Kate B. Reynolds Memorial Hospital.
• Hon. Larry Womble ‘63, a former state representative who sponsored legislation in support of eugenics victims.
• Twin City Medical Alliance, the counterpart of the Forsyth Medical Society, it was organized by African American physicians.
• Kate B. Reynolds Hospital Alumni Association, former hospital staff and administrators from 1938-75.

The evening included presentations to the honorees and student research poster presentations on early health care in East Winston.

The goal is for this to became an annual celebratory event, Valentine said.

Northwest Area Health Education Center, a program of Wake Forest School of Medicine, part of Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, was the exclusive partner of this event.

A bold past. A brilliant future.

For 125 years, Winston-Salem State University has fostered the creative thinking, analytical problem-solving, and depth of character needed to transform the world. Rooted in liberal education, WSSU’s curriculum prepares students to be thought leaders who have the skills and knowledge needed to develop innovative solutions to complex problems. WSSU is a historically Black constituent institution of the University of North Carolina with a rich tradition of contributing to the social, cultural, intellectual, and economic growth of North Carolina, the region and beyond. Guided by the motto, “Enter to Learn. Depart to Serve,” WSSU develops leaders who advance social justice by serving the world with compassion and commitment.