Detroit, Michigan, January 22, 2026
Davenport University professor Dr. Rashid Faisal will present a virtual talk on the life and legacy of Dr. Alexander Loudin Turner, Detroit’s first Black general surgeon. The event, set for January 22, will explore Dr. Turner’s groundbreaking contributions to medicine and his role in founding Dunbar Hospital, the first Black-owned nonprofit medical institution in Detroit. This free presentation emphasizes the historical significance of Black medical professionals and their fight against systemic discrimination in healthcare.
Detroit, Michigan – Davenport University Professor to Present on Detroit’s First Black General Surgeon
Detroit’s first Black general surgeon, Dr. Alexander Loudin Turner, will be the focus of a virtual presentation by Davenport University professor Dr. Rashid Faisal on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at 7 p.m.
Dr. Faisal, Associate Professor and Department Chair of the College of Urban Education at Davenport University, will deliver a History of Medicine presentation titled “Alexander Loudin Turner, M.D.: First Black General Surgeon of Detroit; Breaking Down Barriers and the Making of Dunbar Hospital.” The event is free and open to the public, with prior registration required. Attendees can register and receive the Zoom link through the Michigan State Medical Society’s website. The presentation will also be recorded for later viewing.
The presentation will explore the life and legacy of Dr. Turner, who was a founding member of Dunbar Hospital, Detroit’s first Black-owned and operated nonprofit medical institution. Dr. Turner faced systemic discrimination in housing, education, and healthcare, which limited opportunities for Black Americans and shaped Detroit’s racial and geographic inequalities. In response to exclusion from white hospitals, Black medical professionals like Dr. Turner built their own institutions, providing medical care, professional training, dignity, and hope for Black communities. Dr. Turner’s pioneering work stands as a powerful example of self-determination and professional excellence, underscoring the enduring connection between community-based resistance and today’s ongoing struggle for racial and health equity.
For more information, contact the Michigan State Medical Society education department at [email protected] or 517-336-5790. The MSMS is a professional society representing physicians and medical students in Michigan, dedicated to improving the lives of physicians so they may best care for the people they serve.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the topic of Dr. Rashid Faisal’s presentation?
The presentation is titled “Alexander Loudin Turner, M.D.: First Black General Surgeon of Detroit; Breaking Down Barriers and the Making of Dunbar Hospital.” It will explore the life and legacy of Dr. Alexander Loudin Turner, Detroit’s first Black general surgeon and a founding member of Dunbar Hospital, the city’s first Black-owned and operated nonprofit medical institution.
When and where is the presentation taking place?
The virtual presentation will take place on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at 7 p.m. It will be broadcast through Zoom and is free and open to the public, but registration is required.
How can I register for the event?
To register and receive the Zoom link, visit the Michigan State Medical Society’s website at https://connect.msms.org/Education-Events/Calendar-of-Events. The presentation will also be recorded for viewing at a later date.
Who is Dr. Rashid Faisal?
Dr. Rashid Faisal is an Associate Professor and Department Chair of the College of Urban Education at Davenport University. He specializes in the history of medicine and has a particular interest in exploring the historical roots of contemporary issues in education.
What is the Michigan State Medical Society?
The Michigan State Medical Society (MSMS) is a professional society representing physicians and medical students in Michigan. Its mission is to improve the lives of physicians so they may best care for the people they serve.
Key Features of the Presentation
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Topic | Life and legacy of Dr. Alexander Loudin Turner, Detroit’s first Black general surgeon and founding member of Dunbar Hospital. |
| Date and Time | Thursday, January 22, 2026, at 7 p.m. |
| Format | Virtual presentation via Zoom. |
| Registration | Required through the Michigan State Medical Society’s website. |
| Recording | Available for later viewing. |
| Contact Information | Michigan State Medical Society education department at [email protected] or 517-336-5790. |
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