Canady,Dr Alexa – First Black Female Neurosurgeon

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(Last Updated On: March 7, 2023)

Dr Alexia Canady

By

John C Abercrombie

 

Today is day 9, featuring the first Black female pediatric neurosurgeon in America. Faced with counselors who discouraged her every step of the way, she was determined and did find success. A lesson that many women and Blacks will be faced with. Many are deterred from seeking their future success because others fail to truly understand your dedication. Dedicated people find a way both internal and external and will not be deterred.

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Dr Alexa Irene Canady is a well known neurosurgeon. The first practicing Black female to do so. She specialized in pediatric neurosurgery.

Before we move on, let us examine a couple of words and concepts so we know specifically what we are talking about.

Neurosurgery is a specialty in medicine that focuses on diagnosis surgical treatment and rehabilitation of the nervous system which includes the brain, spinal cord and the central and peripheral nervous system as well as the cerebrovascular system.

As you can see this requires detailed intellect and very precise skills. In other words, this is a highly skilled area. We see further that she specialized in pediatric neurosurgery.

Pediatric refers to the branch of medicine that covers the care of infants, children and adolescents. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends pediatric care through the age of 21.

Neurosurgical problems seen by pediatric neurosurgeons are often quite different from those commonly seen by adult or general neurosurgeons. Special training in pediatric diseases as they relate to pediatric neurosurgical diseases is important.

Pediatric neurosurgical problems often are present for life. Pediatric neurosurgeons have a special and longstanding relationship with their patients. Children with nervous system problems frequently require ongoing and close follow-up throughout childhood and adolescence.

Alexa Irene Canady was born November 7, 1950 in Lansing, Michigan. Her mother was Elizabeth Golden Canady and was an educator. Her father was a dentist, Dr Clinton Canady.

Her mother was active in civic affairs being the first Black elected to the Lansing Bord of Education. Her parents went to Fisk University, a HBCU (Historically Black College and University) founded in 1866 and located in Nashville, Tennessee.

Her father was deployed during World War II, later graduating from Meharry Medical College also located in Nashville, Tennessee. Meharry Medical College is a graduate and professional instution. Founded in 1876 it was the first medical school for Blacks in the South.

Her parents were well aware of the benefits of a good education and instilled this in their children. Alexa graduated with honors from High School. Alexa and her brother were the only Blacks in their school. They faced discrimination but her mother told her “Let them make you a token – so what if you’re the token Black girl, take that token and spend it.”

Canady attended the University of Michigan and received a BS degree in zoology. She almost dropped out of college because as she describes it a “Crisis of Confidence”. She had chosen mathematics as her major and although good at it discovered it was not her passion.

Participating in a health program she discovered that her passion was medicine and was recognized by the American Medical Women’s Association due to her good work. Despite her achievements she and other females were overlooked due to gender bias.

Some wilt under the scrutiny but like a winner, she was encouraged to work harder. This is a most admirable trait that accompanies successful people. Her initial interest had been internal medicine and she was advised against going into neurosurgery. Again, this only became a challenge she was passionate about and willing to earn her stripes in the field.

Realizing that getting a residency as a Black student would be difficult, she began building her résumé, reading articles, attending every conference and seminar she could and asking questions to become known in the field.

She started practicing at the Henry Ford Hospital before moving to the Children’s Hospital of Michigan and became the Chief of Neurosurgery in 1987. She specialized in congenital spinal abnormalities, hydrocephalus, trauma and brain tumors.

In a recent interview she is quoted as saying “It’s fun to make people better.”

Some Honors:

• In 1984 named Teacher of the year by Children’s Hospital of Michigan

• In 1986 named a member f the Congress of Neurological Surgeons

• In 1989 she was inducted into the Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame

• 1993 Received the American Medical Women’s Association Presidents award

She is a member of the Congress of Neuroglial Surgeons

The National Coalition of 100 Black Women

The Society of Pediatric Neurosurgery

The American College of Neurosurgery

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ALEXA CANADY History and Heritage Black History Month

This is another video that we did for the Nickelodeon History and Heritage Campaign. This video is about Alexa Canady, she’s an American medical doctor specializing in neurosurgery.

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Science and Math

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Passion and Purpose: Black Female Surgeons

Passion and Purpose is a complete collection of all 75 beautiful stories created to inspire women everywhere to believe in the power of their dreams. These phenomenal women have experienced heartache and challenges along their paths that only served to make them more determined to accomplish their goals. You will laugh, cry, cheer them on, and find courage to reach your dreams whatever obstacles you face. It is a truly inspiring read! Even though their stories are about becoming surgeons, they will inspire every young woman to believe they can accomplish anything they set their hearts and minds to achieve

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Aware Profile: Women of Empowerment | AWARE! | WSRE

On this edition, the Aware show profiles three gifted women who carved unique paths in neurosurgery, physical therapy and performing arts, achieving wellness of mind, body and soul. Host Dee Dee Sharp is joined by retired neurosurgeon Alexa Canady, M.D.; physical therapist Dr. Justine Williams, PT, DPT, the owner of In Her Physique Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy and Wellness Clinic; and Nielah Black Spears, international performer, dancer, choreographer, vocalist, actress, author and minister.

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Black Man in a White Coat (A Doctor’s Reflections on Race and Medicine)

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The Story of Alexa I. Canady | Storytime | Black Voices in STEAM

Join us for Storytime! as we learn about the brilliant Dr. Alexa Canady, the first woman and first black person to become a neurosurgeon in the United States.

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Pioneering Neurosurgeon Visits RFUMS

Dr. Alexa Canady, the nation’s first African American woman neurosurgeon, visited Rosalind Franklin University on Feb. 6 during Black History Month to share her story of struggle and triumph. Canady’s visit, part of the Black History Month Pioneer in Medicine speaker series, was sponsored by the Division of Student Affairs and Inclusion, CMS Office of Student Affairs and Diversity, the Student National Medical Association , and the American Medical Women’s Association.

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Alexa Irene Canady 1st Black American Neurosurgeon | Black History Month

The path taken by this brave hero was rough Alexa Irene Canady is a legend and we pay tribute to her monster contribution in healthcare.
Alexa Irene Canady 1st Black American Neurosurgeon | Black History Month

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In the case of Dr Alexa Canady, we see the search for a dream even if it is beyond the bounds that others set. Hard work, discovery and the willingness to put in the work leads you to your vocation and if you genuinely enjoy it, it is as much vacation as vocation and that search starts with a willingness to explore your options. Success seldom falls into your lap. It is not always staring you in the face, but you will recognize it if you are only willing to explore and challenge yourself. Nothing is impossible if you have the drive. The stories that inspire you are not race or gender specific. People inspire others and this can be your inspiration. Take it and make your dreams come true.

 

 

 

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