Remembering the First Health Commission Medical Director: Dr. Leonidas Berry
Dr. Leonidas Berry (1902-1995) was the founder of the AME Church’s Connectional Health Commission. In 1948, Berry was elected its first medical director and served until 1980. Remembering Berry is significant because of his journey and commitment to fight disparity in healthcare.
Berry earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Wilberforce University, a second Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Chicago, a Medical Degree from Rush Medical School, and a Master of Science degree in Pathology from the University of Illinois in Chicago. During his educational journey, Berry overcame many obstacles to become the first resident and first attending African American at Cook County Hospital in Chicago.
Berry was one the first doctors to use a gastroscope, teaching other doctors on the use of the scope and helping the medical field understand the connection between liver disease and alcoholism. In 1950, he established a council to encourage African American persons to enter the medical field.
Berry established the “Berry Plan” clinics for the needs of addicts and the “Flying Black Medics” who provided free healthcare in Illinois. In 1965, he was appointed by President Lyndon B. Johnson to serve on the National Council for Heart Disease, Cancer, and Stroke.
Berry authored many influential medical articles and his memoirs I Wouldn’t Take Nothin’ for my Journey: Two Centuries of an Afro-American Minister’s Family.Berry’s father, Leonidas L. Berry, Sr., served as Secretary of Missions for the AME Church.
The International Commission of the AME Church continues the journey to fight health disparities, heart disease, cancer, stroke, and a host of other diseases. In partnership with health organizations and AME health directors worldwide, Berry’s legacy lives on. The Commission is grateful to him, each Episcopal Commission Chairperson and Health Commission Directors, and members for their service and commitment to improving lives.
Photo courtesy of National Institutes of Health.
