Short Term Significance
Dr. Alexander was a significant figure during her time because of her persistent efforts and work to fight against medical discrimination. She also fostered physicians from underrepresented communities.
"Dr. Fred M. Hopkins, President of the Pennsylvania Institute of Negro Health; Dr. Virginia M. Alexander; Dr. Charles W. Dorsey; and Dr. Dorothy Boulding Ferebee,". Virginia Margaret Virginia Papers. University Archives and Records Center, University of Pennsylvania.
Baker, Joseph V. "Scrolls to Honor 2 Women Doctors,". Philadelphia Inquirer. October 13, 1940.
Helen Dickens: Pioneer of Medicine
Dr. Dickens was a Black woman physician mentored by Virginia Alexander in both medicine and advocacy.
After Dicken’s two-year residency, she had trouble finding work due to her race and gender.
After being hired at Aspiranto, Dickens carried out clinical work under the guidance of Dr. Alexander. Dickens would later take charge of the health home in Dr. Alexander's absence.
Darlene Clark Hine, "Oral History Interview with Helen Octavia Dickens, M.D.," Drexel Legacy Center, 1988
[Transcript:
Darlene Clark Hines: What was it like those first few years, launching into private practice?
Helen Octavia Dickens: Well, it was very exciting. You were going into the homes. You were seeing all these people. You
were taking responsibility for care of people. It
was very exciting. You were going in the middle
of the night, and you were going into all kinds of
communities alone.
Darlene Clark Hines: Were you ever afraid?
Helen Octavia Dickens: Never really afraid. She wasn't afraid, I followed in her footsteps. ]
"Helen O. Dickens (1950),". National Library of Medicine Digital Collection.
Dr. Dickens used the experience she gained from Alexander and Aspiranto Health Home for the rest of her career, advocating for the health of young teens.
Scholarship Foundation (1956-1975)
After Alexander's death, a scholarship was established in 1953 by her brother Raymond Pace Alexander and her colleagues in honor of Dr. Alexander, who believed financial, racial and social barriers should never dictate a physician’s potential or a community's health.
“The Doctor Virginia M.Alexander Scholarship Foundation, Inc. Presents Music - Drama - Chic Form on Parade,". Virginia Margaret Alexander Papers. University of Pennsylvania Archives.
"Scholarship Fund to Honor Dr. Alexander," Philadelphia Tribune, March 28, 1953
The Foundation awarded scholarships to deserving students without regard to race, religion, or nationality.
Eustace Gay. "Facts and Fancies Memory of Dr. Virginia Alexander Kept Green Through Scholarship Aid Fund,". Philadelphia Tribune. February 4,1956.
Haley Lau and Tania Wasim
Senior Division
Group Website
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