HF01-08: Trailblazers from the Outset: The First Two Black Women in Urology
Friday, May 3, 2024 2:39 PM to 2:46 PM · 7 min. (US/Central)
206
Abstract
History of Urology Forum
Information
Full Abstract and Figures
Author Block
Ashley Appleton*, Kymora Scotland, Los Angeles, CA
Introduction
Detail the historical contributions of two early Black women urologists to the urological scientific community.
Methods
We performed a review of available literature, including journal articles and interviews to collect sufficient evidence to inform this history based abstract.
Results
Long before the establishment of formal urology specialty fellowships, Dr. Carol Bennett, and Dr. Bobbilynn Hawkins led novel research projects that would set the stage for pelvic medicine and neuro-urology. Despite being Black women in a white male-dominated field, Dr. Bennett, and Dr. Hawkins, the first board-certified Black woman urologists in the United States and the United States Army, respectively were trailblazers in the urological scientific community.1,2 Dr. Bennett established the spinal cord injury fertility program at the University of Michigan. There, she facilitated the first pregnancy from a semen sample collected from a paraplegic man via electroejaculation. Additionally, Dr. Bennett served in many leadership positions including Chief of Urology during which she established the present-day full-service urology clinic at the West Los Angeles Veteran Affairs Medical Center. Likewise, in addition to her courageous service to the American Armed Forces, Dr. Hawkins made significant contributions to the urological scientific community. She was integral to the gene mapping and identification of chromosomes indicated in the pathogenesis of Ochoa Syndrome, a rare condition characterized by involuntary grimacing and impediment of bladder and bowel control. Today, both Dr. Bennett and Dr. Hawkins are retired urologists but their legacy and contributions to urology live on.
Conclusions
This abstract serves to highlight the groundbreaking contributions to the field by two of the earliest Black women urologists. Women accounted for 10.3% of urologists in 2020, and only 2% of urologists identify as Black.3,4 Despite persistent, stark underrepresentation, Drs Bennett and Hawkins represent true urologic excellence.
Source Of Funding
None
Author Block
Ashley Appleton*, Kymora Scotland, Los Angeles, CA
Introduction
Detail the historical contributions of two early Black women urologists to the urological scientific community.
Methods
We performed a review of available literature, including journal articles and interviews to collect sufficient evidence to inform this history based abstract.
Results
Long before the establishment of formal urology specialty fellowships, Dr. Carol Bennett, and Dr. Bobbilynn Hawkins led novel research projects that would set the stage for pelvic medicine and neuro-urology. Despite being Black women in a white male-dominated field, Dr. Bennett, and Dr. Hawkins, the first board-certified Black woman urologists in the United States and the United States Army, respectively were trailblazers in the urological scientific community.1,2 Dr. Bennett established the spinal cord injury fertility program at the University of Michigan. There, she facilitated the first pregnancy from a semen sample collected from a paraplegic man via electroejaculation. Additionally, Dr. Bennett served in many leadership positions including Chief of Urology during which she established the present-day full-service urology clinic at the West Los Angeles Veteran Affairs Medical Center. Likewise, in addition to her courageous service to the American Armed Forces, Dr. Hawkins made significant contributions to the urological scientific community. She was integral to the gene mapping and identification of chromosomes indicated in the pathogenesis of Ochoa Syndrome, a rare condition characterized by involuntary grimacing and impediment of bladder and bowel control. Today, both Dr. Bennett and Dr. Hawkins are retired urologists but their legacy and contributions to urology live on.
Conclusions
This abstract serves to highlight the groundbreaking contributions to the field by two of the earliest Black women urologists. Women accounted for 10.3% of urologists in 2020, and only 2% of urologists identify as Black.3,4 Despite persistent, stark underrepresentation, Drs Bennett and Hawkins represent true urologic excellence.
Source Of Funding
None
Sessions
History of Urology Forum
206