Tribute to a centenarian groundbreaker

Dr. Walter C. Reynolds was the first African American to receive a medical degree from OHSU

By Mariana Phipps December 29, 2020 Portland, Oregon

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Dr. Walter Reynolds records an oral history interview at the Oregon Medical Association offices as part of the history of medicine in Oregon project. Reynolds, turning 100 this month, was the first African American to receive an M.D. degree from what is now the OHSU School of Medicine. (OHSU)

Walter Reynolds

Dr. Walter Reynolds, shown in this undated photo, was the first African American to receive an M.D. degree from what is now the OHSU School of Medicine. Reynolds is turning 100 this month. (Photo courtesy Reynolds family)

Walter Reynolds

University of Oregon Medical School graduating class of 1949, where Dr. Walter Reynolds, turning 100 this month, was the first African American to receive an M.D. degree from what is now the OHSU School of Medicine. (OHSU)

(OHSU)

Reynolds class photo

(OHSU/Kristyna Wentz-Graff)